By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities has made some criticisms over the recent vice-chancellor appointment processes in Nigerian Universities.
The union slammed the government for allowing politics to dictate the selection process.
The union believes that Universities are being treated like commodities, with appointments being influenced by politicians and contractors rather than merit. ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna said, “Universities that are built on merit and scholarship have been turned into commodities for politicians and contractors in the appointment of Vice Chancellors.”
The union specifically objects to the attempt to reinstate the acting vice-chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, stating contradictions in her promotion to reader and professor ranks.
Lecturers are struggling to teach and research under harsh conditions, with inadequate resources and financial strain. They’re “teaching students on empty stomachs” and working in libraries and laboratories lacking essential materials.
ASUU criticizes the notion that Universities are producing unemployable graduates. The union pointed to systemic neglect and lack of support for research and innovation. The union also accuses successive governments of failing to finalize the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, with the draft agreement submitted in December 2024 still pending implementation.
ASUU links recurring disputes to the government’s failure to uphold agreements on conditions of service, funding, University autonomy, and academic freedom.
The union urges the federal and state governments to address unresolved labour issues to avoid further industrial action. It also emphasizes that “no memorandum or ‘discussion’ can take the place of a Collective Bargaining Agreement” that addresses staff welfare and the academic environment.
