The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed deep concern over the increasing number of resignations by high-profile professors and newly recruited lecturers across Nigeria’s public universities. Many academics, according to the union, are leaving the country in search of better working conditions and more rewarding opportunities abroad.
Speaking during a radio program, Situation Room, in Ibadan, Oyo State, the Chairman of ASUU, University of Ibadan chapter, Dr. Adefemi Afolabi, lamented the worsening state of the nation’s higher education system. He said the mass exodus of intellectuals was driven by poor remuneration, deteriorating infrastructure, and the government’s continued neglect of university staff welfare.
“We don’t work in an ideal environment. How do you reward your intellectuals with so little and still expect them to be happy and continue to work?” Afolabi questioned.
He explained that the union’s ongoing strike action stemmed from the government’s lack of sincerity and commitment to fulfilling its promises on collective bargaining and improved welfare for academic staff.
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According to him, the constant setting up of committees without implementing recommendations has eroded the union’s trust in government negotiations.
“The situation is terrible. Lecturers are finding it difficult to come to the office because of the high cost of transportation. Those who come cannot even concentrate due to many unmet needs,” he added.
Afolabi accused the Federal Government of taking ASUU for granted, stressing that the two-week warning strike was a last resort after years of frustration and policy inconsistency. He urged the government to demonstrate genuine commitment to revitalizing public universities and to prioritize the welfare of lecturers who nurture the nation’s future workforce.
ASUU reaffirmed its stance that it would not back down until the Federal Government fulfills its obligations, insisting that investing in the welfare of academics is critical to preserving the integrity and quality of Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
