ASUU President Urges Focus on Public Universities' Survival
Osodeke cited examples from defunct public institutions such as Nigeria Railways, National Electric Power Authority, and Nigeria Airways, where workers' unions predominantly advocated for individual benefits, neglecting the broader institutional interests. He emphasized that a similar fate could befall public universities if ASUU fails to advocate for their survival and efficiency.
AKACHI NOEL 
Emmanuel Osodeke, the National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has cautioned members against solely prioritizing salaries and welfare in the union's struggles, urging a greater emphasis on the sustainability of public universities.
Speaking at a University-wide Seminar themed "The Demands of Scholarship in the 21st Century," held at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, Osodeke highlighted the historical tendency of unions to focus solely on members' financial interests. He warned that this approach often resulted in the collapse of institutions, leading to job losses for union members.
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Osodeke cited examples from defunct public institutions such as Nigeria Railways, National Electric Power Authority, and Nigeria Airways, where workers' unions predominantly advocated for individual benefits, neglecting the broader institutional interests. He emphasized that a similar fate could befall public universities if ASUU fails to advocate for their survival and efficiency.
Expressing skepticism about the feasibility of the Federal Government's student loan scheme, Osodeke criticized the stringent conditions that could limit access to students from modest backgrounds. He highlighted the requirement for a level 12 officer as a guarantor, which could exclude many students from public higher institutions.
Osodeke underscored the importance of educating ASUU members about the union's principles and the rationale behind its actions, particularly in the context of new members. He emphasized the need for a collective effort to advocate for the preservation and improvement of public institutions, including universities, to ensure their continued relevance and effectiveness.
Furthermore, Osodeke urged the Federal Government to address salary arrears owed to members in some universities, emphasizing the importance of timely payments as a sign of commitment to the welfare of academic staff.
The ASUU President's remarks reflect a broader concern within the union about the future of public universities and the need for a comprehensive approach to address challenges beyond immediate financial concerns.
