Hardship on Campuses Becoming Unbearable, ASUU Urges President Tinubu to Act

In a recent statement marking Nigeria's 64th independence anniversary, the University of Ibadan chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) expressed deep concerns over the escalating hardships faced by public university workers. Professor Ayoola Akinwole, the chapter's chairman, emphasized that the situation is becoming unbearable and called on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action.

Professor Akinwole articulated that the union has demonstrated considerable patience by previously issuing ultimatums to the government, but the federal response has been lackadaisical. He highlighted that another 14-day ultimatum is nearing its end, urging the government to address the union's demands to maintain relative peace across public university campuses in Nigeria.

Many university lecturers are reportedly leaving the country due to financial difficulties, with some succumbing to stress-related health issues, while others have taken up alternative employment in the private sector. The ASUU chairman lamented that Nigeria's educational sector has faced significant neglect over the years, leading to a decline in the quality of education and overall state governance.

“The leadership of Nigeria must stop claiming a lack of resources to meet the demands of the education sector,” stated Professor Akinwole. He called on President Tinubu to shift focus from rhetoric about being “have-nots” and instead take decisive steps to resolve the long-standing issues raised by ASUU. This includes increasing funding for educational revitalization, enhancing lecturer remuneration, and addressing the broader economic crisis in Nigeria.

Professor Akinwole warned that if the current trend of hardship continues, it could lead to multidimensional insecurity across the nation. He criticized government expenditures, citing purchases of luxury items such as new presidential jets while ordinary Nigerians suffer from the increasing economic strain.

“The quality of life for ordinary Nigerians has sharply declined,” he noted, pointing to the growing divide between the wealthy and the impoverished. He argued that while the rich continue to accumulate wealth, the middle class has virtually disappeared, leaving the masses grappling with poverty and limited opportunities for improvement.

He cautioned that without urgent intervention, Nigerians will face severe consequences, including a decline in food security and overall well-being. The ASUU chairman concluded by emphasizing that a fraction of the government's extravagant spending could significantly alleviate the challenges in the educational sector and lay a foundation for Nigeria's economic growth.