ASUU Condemns New Governing Councils and University Proliferation
The union called for a comprehensive review of the National Universities Commission (NUC) Act to strengthen regulations and prevent the arbitrary establishment of universities.
AKACHI NOEL 
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in Lagos on Tuesday voiced its opposition to the recently constituted Governing Councils by the Federal Government for public tertiary institutions. The union demanded the immediate reinstatement of the disbanded councils, citing the illegality of their removal before the completion of their tenures.
According to Prof. Adelaja Odukoya, the Lagos Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, the tenure of the former councils had not expired when they were dissolved, making their removal illegal. He emphasized that unless the former council members had committed any offense or engaged in illegality, their dismissal was unjustified and contravened the law.
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ASUU expressed concern over the proliferation of universities across Nigeria, viewing it as a trend that undermines the quality of education and resources available to students. The union pledged to explore all legal avenues to oppose the establishment of additional universities, particularly those driven by political interests rather than educational needs.
The union called for a comprehensive review of the National Universities Commission (NUC) Act to strengthen regulations and prevent the arbitrary establishment of universities. ASUU urged the government to prioritize the nation's educational needs over political considerations, emphasizing the importance of quality education in national development.
ASUU also addressed the issue of withheld salaries of its members, asserting its readiness to take action, including strikes, if necessary, to protect the rights of lecturers. The union condemned the unjust termination of employment and withholding of salaries in various universities across the country, vowing to support affected members.
In addition, ASUU reiterated its commitment to renegotiating the 2009 Agreement with the Federal Government, addressing outstanding issues such as withheld salaries, arrears of earned academic allowances, and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS). The union emphasized the need for fair treatment of its members and urged the government to fulfill its obligations under the agreement.
