ASUU President Pledges to Sustain Demand for University Autonomy

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) President, Professor Christopher Piwuna, has reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining the demand for university autonomy.

Speaking at a reception organized by the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike chapter of ASUU, Piwuna emphasized that his administration will prioritize the struggle for university autonomy and academic freedom.

The demand for university autonomy is a longstanding issue in Nigeria's education sector. ASUU has consistently argued that autonomy would allow universities to function more efficiently and effectively, without undue interference from government agencies. The union believes that autonomy would enable universities to determine their own academic programs, staffing, and financial management, ultimately leading to improved quality and standards .

Professor Piwuna also highlighted that strike action remains a viable option for the union if its demands are not met. He stated that ASUU's struggle is a collective effort that concerns lecturers, students, and parents, and that the union will not shy away from taking necessary actions to achieve its goals .

Piwuna's predecessor, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, shed light on the challenges faced by ASUU during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Osodeke revealed that the union's resilience prevented the total collapse of Nigeria's university system during that period. He also noted that the poor treatment of university lecturers contributed to the exodus of Nigerian academics to countries like the United States, Europe, and Saudi Arabia .