Again, ASUU Condemns Composition of New University Governing Councils

"Go and look at the list again, you will see that most of them are retired politicians. They are honorable this and honorable that. What does that tell us?" Prof Osodeke questioned, highlighting the union's concern regarding the caliber of appointees.

Jun 17, 2024 - 14:15

Again, ASUU Condemns Composition of New University Governing Councils

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has again voiced strong criticism over the recently constituted governing councils for federal universities in Nigeria, asserting that the composition is even more disappointing than the previous lineup.

In an exclusive interview with the Nigerian Tribune, ASUU's national president, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed dismay over what he described as a predominance of "retired politicians" rather than technocrats on the newly released list.

"Go and look at the list again, you will see that most of them are retired politicians. They are honorable this and honorable that. What does that tell us?" Prof Osodeke questioned, highlighting the union's concern regarding the caliber of appointees.

He further emphasized ASUU's stance that the recent formation of new councils, while the dissolved ones from over ten months ago had not completed their tenures as per the University Act, is unlawful and undermines the stability necessary for quality university education in Nigeria.

According to ASUU, the Federal Government's decision to bypass the completion of the dissolved councils' tenures in favor of appointing new members reflects a disregard for legal processes and raises concerns about partisan influence in university governance.

The union urged the government to adhere to legal provisions and prioritize the continuity and stability of university governance to ensure sustained development and quality education delivery across federal institutions.