The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has sounded an alarm over the critical shortage of staff in most departments and units of Nigeria’s public universities.
Prof. Ayo Akinwole, the Chairman of the University of Ibadan Chapter of ASUU, disclosed this in Ibadan, emphasizing the challenging conditions faced by poorly-remunerated lecturers.
Akinwole attributed the mass resignation of lecturers to factors such as poor and delayed salaries, unpaid allowances, inadequate infrastructure, lack of respect for the academic community, and a sense of dwindling hope.
Addressing the issue, Akinwole called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene urgently by reviewing conditions of service, including salaries, allowances, and infrastructure.
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He expressed concern over the government’s proposal to establish 32 more universities while existing institutions grapple with funding challenges.
Akinwole stressed that the establishment of more universities wouldn’t address the problem and suggested focusing on improving the capacity of existing institutions.
The chairman revealed that ASUU receives monthly reports of colleagues resigning due to mistreatment and poor remuneration in Nigeria.
He pointed out that universities globally are attracting quality educators, and unless the government takes deliberate steps to improve conditions of service, retaining the best hands will remain a challenge.
Akinwole also highlighted the bureaucratic process for hiring replacements, noting that Vice-Chancellors face delays in obtaining approval from Abuja, causing the loss of qualified candidates to institutions in countries that prioritize quality.
In conclusion, ASUU urged the government to prioritize education, review conditions of service, and address the concerns of lecturers to prevent a further exodus of qualified educators from the country.
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