The Academic Staff Union of Universities has alleged that the International Monetary Fund and World Bank are determined to destroy the public university system in the country.
During the 2024 ASUU Heroes Day event held in Abuja, ASUU’s National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, made bold accusations against the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund claiming both organizations were committed to dismantling the nation’s public education system.
A key issue highlighted by Prof. Osodeke was the ongoing delay in renegotiating ASUU’s 2009 agreement with the Federal Government. Despite years of engagement, including multiple Memoranda of Understanding and Memoranda of Action, ASUU claims that the terms of the 2009 agreement remain unresolved and unfinalized, to the detriment of Nigeria’s university system.
The imposition of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System has further strained relations between ASUU and the government. Although the Federal Executive Council had previously announced intentions to exempt tertiary institutions from IPPIS, the policy remains enforced, exacerbating the union’s frustration. Osodeke also decried what he described as the unfair withholding of three and a half months’ salaries owed to ASUU members, as well as unpaid arrears, promotions, and Earned Academic Allowance for university staff.
At the event, which was dedicated to honoring ASUU’s “past and living heroes,” Osodeke praised the union’s members nationwide for their “courageous comradeship and sacrifices” in championing the cause of public university education in Nigeria.
Recognizing the dedication of ASUU members, he announced a new initiative offering PhD research grants valued at N500,000 each.
These grants will be awarded to select members from public universities, based on a rigorous evaluation of research proposals in their respective academic fields.
“Comrades, like in the past, this year’s celebration of our heroes also takes place as we continue the struggle to rescue Nigeria’s public universities from the suffocating clutches of the World Bank and the IMF, whose determination to destroy and bury our public university system has not abated,” Osodeke stated.
He emphasized the union’s frustration over the prolonged delay in the renegotiation process, “It is rather lamentable that we are still struggling to compel the renegotiation of our 2009 Agreement with the federal government, twelve years after it should have been concluded, and after four rounds of failed negotiations.”
This ongoing delay has not only affected the nation’s federal universities but has also spilled over to the state level, where ASUU members face punitive measures for supporting the union’s cause.
“We stand with our members at Kogi State University, Lagos State University, Ebonyi State University, and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University in their persecution for their principled support and solidarity in the struggle to defend the soul of public university education in Nigeria,” he affirmed.
Highlighting the significance of the 2024 Heroes Day, Osodeke also reaffirmed ASUU’s commitment to the professional development of its members.
“As part of our Heroes Day celebration, this year, and in line with the NDC decision, the union will be offering PhD grants to some of our members across various public universities in the country,” he said, detailing the eligibility criteria and evaluation process for the N500,000 grants.
The day honoured a distinguished lineup of educators and activists who have made significant contributions to ASUU’s legacy, including Prof. T. Uzodinma Nwala, Prof. Bright Ekuerhare, Prof. Oye Oyediran, Prof. Mallam Bashir Kurfi.
The Name Ikiddeh, Mr. S.A. Fadipe, and Prof. Sola Olukunle. Others honored included Nasir Hussain, Tunde Oduleye, Prof. Rasheed Abubakar, Akin Oyebode, Mustapha A. Danesi, A.T. Wins, and Dr. Peter Ozo-son, in recognition of their dedication to the cause of Nigerian public universities.ystem, ASUU alleges
