Asuu Raises Concern Over Staff Shortages In Nigerian Universities

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has voiced alarm over widespread understaffing in various departments and units across Nigeria's public universities as a result of the resignation of lecturers. The Chairman of ASUU at the University of Ibadan, Prof. Ayo Akinwole, highlighted the dire state of public universities, emphasizing the visible stress and frustration among poorly-remunerated lecturers. He warned that if there are no improvements in conditions of service, salaries, allowances, and infrastructure, the trend of experienced educators leaving the country will persist. He criticized the government for proposing to establish 32 more universities while inadequately funding existing ones. Factors such as delayed salaries, unpaid allowances, poor infrastructure, and a lack of respect for the academic community were cited as reasons for recent lecturer resignations. The chairman stressed that the establishment of more universities won't solve the problem but advised that the current institution should be enhanced before the admission of more students.