ASUU President Affirms Union's Independence and Advocacy Role
He emphasized, "Our goal is not to please any government; our goal is not to praise any government; indeed, we will continue to rise against policies of the government that are having negative effects on Nigeria’s citizens and our members; that is our goal."
AKACHI NOEL 
President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, asserted the union's independence and commitment to advocating for the interests of its members and Nigerians. Speaking at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in Bauchi during the distribution of scholarships to indigent students by the Bauchi Zone of ASUU, Professor Osodeke, represented by his Deputy, Associate Prof. Christopher Piwuna, made it clear that the union has no intention of pleasing any government.
He emphasized, "Our goal is not to please any government; our goal is not to praise any government; indeed, we will continue to rise against policies of the government that are having negative effects on Nigeria’s citizens and our members; that is our goal."
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Addressing the students, he reassured them of ASUU's commitment to their welfare and highlighted the union's historical role in shaping educational policies and advocating for improvements in infrastructure, research, and the overall well-being of students.
Professor Osodeke urged the students to familiarize themselves with ASUU's history and the various agreements the union has made with the government, emphasizing that ASUU's mission extends beyond the welfare of its members to include the socio-economic and cultural policies affecting Nigeria.
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He provided examples of ASUU's past interventions, including advocating for improved laboratory facilities, addressing overcrowded lecture halls, and opposing the use of stoves as burners in laboratories. He encouraged the students to be ambassadors of ASUU, promoting justice, fairness, and accountability on their campuses.
The ASUU President concluded by stating, "We want you to go back and take this gospel of ASUU and share it with all your friends; as we said, in ASUU, we don’t have any interest whatsoever to please the government; we will protect our members and will protect the interests of Nigerians."
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This affirmation reinforces ASUU's role as a critical advocate for educational standards, member welfare, and broader socio-economic issues in Nigeria.
