The Academic Staff Union of Universities has claimed that Nigeria’s public university system would have completely crumbled during the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari if not for the union’s resilience and unwavering commitment to its cause.
The union also reaffirmed its determination to continue the struggle for university autonomy and improved conditions of service for its members until its long-standing demands are fully addressed.
This was made known by the immediate-past National President of ASUU, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, during a grand reception held in his honour at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike on Monday.
Reflecting on his tenure, Osodeke noted that ASUU under his leadership engaged in numerous struggles to safeguard public universities.
“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 declared.
Osodeke specifically called out the previous administration and former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Senator Chris Ngige, accusing them of negligence towards the plight of university lecturers.
“Ngige’s rough relationship with ASUU created a lot of confusion that almost collapsed the education sector if not for the firmness and resilience of ASUU members,” he lamented.
He further decried the poor remuneration of academic staff, attributing it to the brain drain affecting Nigeria’s higher institutions as lecturers seek better opportunities abroad.
Highlighting one of the achievements recorded during his tenure, Osodeke pointed to the delisting of universities from the IPPIS platform, a move he said has enabled some professors to now retire with full benefits.
He called on government at all levels to prioritize investment in public universities, which he described as the bedrock of the Nigerian education system.
He also argued that public institutions continue to offer quality education and remain home to 95% of the nation’s university student population.
In his own address, the current ASUU National President, Professor Chris Piwuna, echoed the union’s stance, pledging to uphold the struggle for academic freedom, staff welfare, and quality education.
He reiterated ASUU’s resolve to continue constructive engagement with government while keeping other legal avenues, including strikes, available when necessary.
“Strike is a universal tool that is not peculiar to Nigeria alone. It is a tool that is used all over and cannot 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,” Piwuna stated.
He also praised Osodeke’s leadership and relentless dedication to the union’s cause, promising to build on his legacy.
Similarly, the MOUAU ASUU Chairman, Professor Chike Ugwuene, commended the former national president for his selfless service and vigorous defence of the union’s interests.
“He served the nation and made ASUU MOUAU proud by fighting for the betterment of the education system in Nigeria,” Ugwuene said, noting Osodeke’s role in fostering good relations between the local union chapter and university management.
In a tribute, MOUAU Vice Chancellor, Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Professor Nneoma Obasi, hailed Osodeke’s contributions, describing his leadership as “legendary.”
She assured that the university administration would continue to promote a cordial relationship with ASUU and the broader university community.