The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has accused the Federal Government of displaying insincerity in its handling of collective bargaining and the welfare of university lecturers, warning that its actions threaten the future of Nigeria’s tertiary education.
Dr. Adefemi Afolabi, ASUU Chairman at the University of Ibadan, made the allegations during an appearance on the radio programme Situation Room, monitored on Thursday.
He criticized the government’s failure to prioritize education, describing its approach as a deliberate disregard for intellectuals and the nation’s academic system.
Afolabi highlighted the government’s delay in signing a renegotiated draft agreement reached over eight months ago with the Yayale Ahmed-led committee.
He labeled the delay a stalling tactic, noting that instead of finalizing the agreement, the government established a new committee, effectively restarting the process.
“This is a clear waste of time and resources,” Afolabi stated, pointing to the move as evidence of bad faith.
The union’s ongoing two-week warning strike, Afolabi explained, was triggered by the government’s nonchalance and breach of collective bargaining principles.
“We waited patiently, held protests, and sensitized Nigerians, but the government took us for granted,” he said.
Afolabi decried the poor working conditions and inadequate remuneration for lecturers, which he said have worsened amid rising living costs.
“Lecturers can hardly afford transportation to work, and many struggle to focus due to unmet needs,” he lamented.
The ASUU leader warned of a growing brain drain, with professors resigning to seek opportunities abroad and first-class graduates shunning academic careers.
“These developments spell danger for Nigeria’s university system,” he cautioned.
Beyond welfare concerns, Afolabi emphasized that ASUU’s agitation seeks adequate funding and revitalization of public universities to serve the children of ordinary Nigerians.
He urged the government to act swiftly on its own committee recommendations to avert further crisis in the education sector.
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