ASUU’s New President Shares What He Intends to Achieve for University Staff
- Professors and policymakers gathered at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, to honour the legacy of outgoing ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, and usher in a new era unde I love
- The event spotlighted ASUU’s enduring struggle for university autonomy, academic freedom, and improved conditions for lecturers amidst rising academic brain drain
- With renewed calls to defend Nigeria’s public universities, the union affirmed its readiness to continue pressing for reforms through dialogue or strike action, if necessary
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The President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Professor Christopher Piwuna, reaffirmed his commitment to preserving the autonomy of Nigeria’s universities during a reception held in honour of his predecessor, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU).
Speaking at the event hosted by the MOUAU chapter of ASUU, Prof. Piwuna, who is also a Professor of Medicine, pledged to uphold academic freedom and protect the welfare of lecturers.
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“I will sustain the demand for university autonomy, academic freedom and other general conducive environment for ASUU members,” he said.
He stressed that industrial action remains a legitimate instrument for negotiation:
“Strike is a universal tool that is not perculier to Nigeria alone. It is a toll that is used all over and can not be taken off the table, but we hope that we don’t have to embark on any action before we can get what we want.”
Osodeke blames brain drain on poor welfare
Former ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, attributed the increasing migration of Nigerian academics—commonly referred to as “japa”—to unfavourable conditions and poor treatment by the government. He stated that “Ngige’s rough relationship with ASUU created a lot of confusion in the country,” referencing the turbulent negotiations during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari and ex-Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige.
Osodeke recounted that ASUU’s persistent efforts helped prevent a total collapse of Nigeria’s higher education system, citing the resilience of the union as key to maintaining public universities’ operations. “Our struggles have kept our public Universities where they are today and saved them from collapsing like other public institutions like Nigerian Airways and Nigerian refineries,” he said.
MOUAU honours former ASUU president’s advocacy
Prof. Nneoma Obasi, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) at MOUAU, speaking on behalf of Vice Chancellor Prof. Maduebibisi Iwe, commended Prof. Osodeke for his dedication. She remarked that the university had stood by Osodeke “throughout his sleepless nights of endless negotiations.”
Chike Ugwuene, Chairperson of ASUU MOUAU branch, praised Osodeke’s tenure, stating, “He served the nation and made ASUU MOUAU proud by fighting for the betterment of education system in Nigeria.” She noted improved cooperation between ASUU and MOUAU’s management but maintained that the union would continue to advocate for its rights.
Public universities still central to Nigerian education
Despite ongoing challenges, Osodeke reaffirmed the strength of public universities in Nigeria, noting that 95% of students were still enrolled in these institutions. He also highlighted ASUU’s achievement in removing universities from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), allowing for improved conditions such as full retirement benefits for professors.
The event was also attended by Felix Edeh, the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of MOUAU’s Governing Council, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Isa Nasir Fagee, a former ASUU President, who chaired the occasion.
Source: Legit.ng
