FGN's Suffocation of Public Universities: ASUU's Cry for Academic Freedom

...Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Yola Zone, Condemns Government's Neglect

In a recent press conference held at Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Yola Zone, comprising several universities across Nigeria, voiced its grave concerns over the neglect and suffocation of public universities by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN).

The ASUU Yola Zone unequivocally condemns what it terms as unprecedented creeping fascism within public universities and highlights the serious threat posed to academic freedom, the rule of law, and democratic principles in these institutions.

The core issue at the heart of the matter is the implementation of the Memorandum of Action (MOA) signed between the FGN and ASUU on 7th February 2019. Despite repeated promises and timelines set by the government, the union laments the lack of progress in addressing crucial issues outlined in the MOA.

Renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement, aimed at addressing various challenges within Nigerian universities, remains stagnant. Despite years of negotiations and the conclusion of discussions with the Nimi Briggs Committee, the government's refusal to sign the renegotiated agreement has paralyzed the university system.

Furthermore, the failure to fulfill commitments regarding the payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) and the withholding of salaries for ASUU members exacerbate the situation. State universities also suffer from similar issues, with members owed significant arrears.

The ASUU Yola Zone also raises concerns regarding the erosion of university autonomy and academic freedom, citing the imposition of Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) as a significant infringement on the Senate's authority.

“Members of ASUU have been on the same salary for more than 15 years. The last time our salaries were reviewed was in 2009. Lecturers in Nigeria are the least paid in Africa because our impoverished pay package is far below Africa’s average, not to mention the global average. Nigerian academics are the worst paid in the world, as a professor at a bar earns less than $300 per month at the current rate of N1,450 per dollar.

“Consequently, we are calling on the FGN to urgently commence the processes that would lead to the completion and implementation of the draft agreement reached by the Joint Committee led by Nimi Briggs. The process for the renegotiation lasted for only six months but was truncated by the then Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, and his co-travelers. Further foot dragging on the issues may compel our members to take drastic measures, which may not be good

for industrial harmony.

“We are optimistic that the Nigerian government has ample resources to fund education better. It is a matter of priority.

Similarly, the union reiterates in unequivocal terms our rejection of the students’ loan scheme, which to the union is an IMF/World Bank ideology intended to bastardize our educational system and cripple the future of the Nigerian youth.

“Instead of a loan, the government should give students study grants, just as our union gives scholarships to students across the nation.

In conclusion, ASUU calls for solidarity from all quarters—media, labor movements, student organizations, and civil society—to confront the government's neglect of the university system. The struggle, ASUU emphasizes, is not just for its members but for the betterment of Nigeria and its people. As the union stands firm in its resolve, it echoes a poignant message: "Together we BARGAIN, divided we BEG."