The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has said that Nigeria’s public university system would have collapsed under the last administration if not for the union’s relentless efforts and resilience.
Speaking at a grand reception held in his honor at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), the immediate past National President of ASUU, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, highlighted the critical role the union played during the presidency of the late Muhammadu Buhari and the tenure of Senator Chris Ngige as Minister of Labour and Employment.
Professor Osodeke stated that ASUU endured several confrontations with the government while defending the interest of public universities. He stressed that the union’s commitment helped maintain the stability and survival of the higher education system.
“Our determination kept public universities from collapsing like other government-run institutions such as the Nigerian Airways and the refineries,” Osodeke said. “The hostile relationship between ASUU and the Ministry of Labour nearly wrecked the system, but our resilience made the difference.”
He also pointed to poor working conditions and inadequate salaries as major challenges that continue to drive university lecturers to seek better opportunities abroad. According to him, this brain drain is damaging the future of education in Nigeria and must be urgently addressed.
The former ASUU leader expressed satisfaction over the union’s success in securing the removal of universities from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), a major point of contention in past years. He noted that as a result, many professors can now retire with their full entitlements.
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Professor Osodeke also emphasized the value of public universities, noting that they still offer education equal to or better than many private institutions in Nigeria. He added that public universities account for over 95% of university students in the country, reinforcing the need to protect and properly fund them.
Also speaking at the event, the current National President of ASUU, Professor Chris Piwuna, pledged to continue advocating for academic freedom, better funding for education, and improved welfare for lecturers.
“We will not relent in our struggle for a better university system,” he said. “The fight for quality education, institutional autonomy, and staff welfare remains our top priority.”
The event was attended by ASUU members from across the country, many of whom praised Professor Osodeke’s leadership and dedication to the union’s cause. Students and staff alike were urged to remain united in defending the future of public education in Nigeria.
