ASUU Strike: Can Nigeria Withstand Another Disruption in Its University System?

The recent 10-page press statement by the President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, issuing a 21-day ultimatum to the government, has sparked concerns nationwide. The document, while comprehensive, fell short of addressing the immediate need for action to salvage Nigeria’s deteriorating public university system. In the wake of the recent hardships and protests that claimed many lives, there is a palpable tension in the air, and the possibility of an ASUU strike looms large.

One glaring omission in the ultimatum was any mention of resuming ASUU’s suspended industrial action if the government fails to meet its demands. This silence might be strategic, given the volatile atmosphere, but it underscores the urgency of the situation. The university system in Nigeria is facing severe challenges that are crippling its efficiency and quality, with far-reaching consequences for students and academic staff alike.

The Root Causes: Underfunding and Infrastructure Decay

At the core of the university system’s problems is chronic underfunding. This has led to dilapidated facilities, outdated equipment, and a lack of essential teaching and research resources. Students are packed into overcrowded lecture halls and hostels, with limited access to libraries and laboratories, significantly diminishing the quality of education. The infrastructure itself is crumbling, with inadequate lecture halls and poor laboratory facilities. In many cases, student hostels are insufficient, forcing students to live off-campus in unsafe and inconvenient conditions.

This dire situation is compounded by poor working conditions, low salaries, and limited opportunities for professional development. These factors have caused a brain drain, with many qualified lecturers and researchers leaving Nigeria for better opportunities abroad. The pay for a professor at a Nigerian university is a meager $325 per month, which not only undervalues their scholarship but also erodes the quality of education.

The Human Cost: Lives Lost to Neglect

The impact of these challenges is not just academic; it is also human. The intense work pressure, coupled with poor working conditions, has led to the deaths of several university lecturers in recent years. For example, Dr. Ayo Ojediran of Obafemi Awolowo University collapsed and died in his office in November 2023. The University of Calabar lost over 15 teaching staff during the same period. The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, reported the deaths of over 20 specialist lecturers due to severe stress from a shortage of staff.

The ongoing deterioration of the university system is dangerous for the nation. Decades of neglect, gross underfunding, and systemic decay have brought the university system to the brink of collapse. ASUU, as the conscience of the nation and a primary stakeholder, has been struggling to reverse this trend, but the challenges are immense.

A Call to Action: The Nation Cannot Afford Another Strike

The nation is at a critical juncture. Economic hardships, as seen in recent public protests, have created a volatile atmosphere. An ASUU strike could be the spark that ignites widespread unrest. The government must act immediately and lend a listening ear to ASUU to resolve the issues amicably.

The ASUU strike is an ill wind that blows no good, with the nation, its workers, and the university system all being losers. The government has a crucial role to play in resolving these issues, and it must do so swiftly and decisively for the good of the nation.

The Leadership Challenge: Fulfilling Promises and Securing the Future

During his campaign, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu promised to end the ASUU strike if elected. Now that he is in office, it is time for him to fulfill that promise and address the root causes of industrial disharmony in the university system.

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, is uniquely positioned to guide the president in this endeavor. With over 30 years of experience in the university system, Prof. Mamman understands the challenges firsthand. After a recent closed-door meeting with ASUU, he indicated that many of the issues are being addressed, but bureaucracy is causing delays.

As the countdown to ASUU’s 21-day ultimatum continues, Prof. Mamman must triple his efforts to resolve the situation. The minister and the president have a golden opportunity to overhaul and improve the university system, securing a brighter future for Nigeria.

The Moment for Change Is Now

The moment has come for decisive action. The president and his ministers must demonstrate commitment and a sense of responsibility to prevent another crisis in the university system. With the right leadership and wisdom, they can avert a repeat of past mistakes and pave the way for a promising future for Nigeria’s educational system.

May the Almighty grant the president and his ministers the wisdom to do what is necessary to bring stability and progress to Nigeria’s universities. Amen.