ASUU Raises Alarm Over Surging First-Class Degrees in Nigerian Private Universities

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed concerns over the rising number of first-class graduates produced annually by private universities in Nigeria, describing the trend as alarming.

Speaking at an event honoring Prof. Andy Egwunyenga for his successful tenure as Vice Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU), ASUU National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, warned that such practices, if unchecked, could erode academic integrity.

Prof. Osodeke highlighted the challenges posed by private universities awarding numerous first-class degrees and cautioned public universities against adopting similar trends without strict regulatory oversight.

He also pointed to a decline in foundational education standards, emphasizing that many students with excellent grades from primary and secondary schools lack sufficient knowledge.

The ASUU President lamented the increasing migration of skilled Nigerian professionals, including academics, to countries offering better working conditions. He attributed this "brain drain" to systemic failures within the nation’s educational and institutional frameworks.

“Building collapses and other infrastructural failures reflect deeper issues within our institutions,” Osodeke remarked, calling for a renewed struggle to improve the welfare of academic staff.

He urged unions to re-engage in advocating for fair treatment, saying, "ASUU will consistently speak out against injustices and support fairness."

Criticism of CCMAS Curriculum

During the event, Prof. Omotoye Olorode criticized the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) introduced in Nigerian universities. He described the curriculum as a neo-imperialistic tool that disrupts the country’s academic framework and perpetuates dependency on developed nations.

“This curriculum ensures Africans remain agricultural labourers for developed countries,” Olorode stated. He also criticized Nigeria's failure to meet UNESCO’s recommendation of allocating 26% of its national budget to education, noting that the country has never exceeded 7%.

ASUU’s concerns come as several private universities report significant numbers of first-class graduates in their recent convocation ceremonies:

• Salem University, Lokoja will graduate 499 students during its 6th convocation, with 41 earning first-class honours across seven colleges.
• Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo will confer degrees on 2,679 students at its 16th convocation, with 86 receiving first-class honours.
• Benson Idahosa University, Benin will celebrate its 20th convocation, awarding 77 first-class degrees out of 1,029 graduates, marking a record for the institution.

These figures, while celebratory, have raised questions about academic standards. ASUU calls for stricter regulation to ensure that Nigerian university degrees maintain their integrity in the global academic community.