University Lecturers Struggle Amid Staff Shortage - Stakeholders

Lecturers in Nigerian universities are grappling with significant challenges due to a shortage of teaching staff, leading to increased workloads and a decline in teaching quality, according to reports. A survey conducted in the South East Zone by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) highlighted the overworked conditions faced by lecturers as they now handle more courses amid a shortage of academic staff.

Prof Ikechukwu Onyishi, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, emphasized that retirements, deaths, and lecturers seeking better opportunities abroad have contributed to the shortfall in academic personnel. This situation is not isolated to a specific university but is a widespread concern across public institutions nationwide.

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The introduction of the Integrated Payroll Personnel Information System (IPPIS) by the Federal Government has further complicated the recruitment process for Vice-Chancellors, making it challenging to fill the staffing vacuum. Prof Onyishi urged the government to allow Vice-Chancellors the flexibility to recruit and address the existing vacancies created by retirements and departures.

Prof Christian Opata, Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in UNN, emphasized the need for the government to implement policies that demonstrate seriousness about education. Opata highlighted that lecturers were not only resigning and going abroad for better opportunities but also those on government scholarships abroad were reluctant to return due to more favorable conditions overseas.

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The shortage has resulted in lecturers handling an excessive number of students, significantly deviating from the recommended ratio of one lecturer to 30 students. The Academic Staff Union calls for urgent measures to address inadequate staff welfare, poor wages, and the implementation of policies that support education in Nigeria.

Stakeholders across various universities expressed concerns about the adverse impact of the shortage on teaching, research, and the overall quality of graduates. They called on the government to improve the working conditions, remuneration, and create incentives to encourage more individuals to pursue lecturing as a profession.

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The ongoing exodus of lecturers from the country poses a threat to the academic growth and development of Nigeria, with stakeholders urging swift action to reverse the trend.