“ASUU STANDS FIRM: REJECTS NEW UNIVERSITY GOVERNING COUNCILS AGAIN”

Babatunji Wusu –

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed strong disappointment with the composition of the newly formed governing councils for federal universities across Nigeria. Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, ASUU’s national president, conveyed these concerns in a recent interview with the Nigerian Tribune, criticizing what he perceives as a troubling trend in the appointment process.

According to Prof Osodeke, the majority of the newly appointed council members are retired politicians rather than experts in academia or relevant fields. He voiced skepticism about the suitability of these appointments for steering the strategic development of higher education institutions in the country, remarking on the prevalence of titles such as “honourable” among the appointees.

Prof Osodeke went further to criticize the new council lineup, characterizing it as a step backward compared to its predecessor. He lamented the over-representation of retired politicians in the list, describing the situation as deeply concerning.

Beyond questioning the qualifications of the appointees, ASUU raised procedural concerns, suggesting that the formation of the new councils may have been illegal. The union pointed out that the Federal Government had dissolved the previous councils over ten months ago, prematurely ending their tenures in violation of the University Act. ASUU argued that the former council members should have been allowed to complete their terms rather than being replaced, especially given the legal implications.

ASUU emphasized that university governance should not be influenced by partisan interests if Nigeria aims to achieve genuine educational excellence that can contribute to national prosperity. Prof Osodeke stressed the urgent need for a reconsideration of how university councils are constituted, asserting that the current approach jeopardizes the quality and integrity of higher education in the country.

In conclusion, ASUU’s critique underscores the importance of ensuring that appointments to university councils prioritize expertise and adhere strictly to legal guidelines, advocating for reforms to safeguard the autonomy and effectiveness of Nigeria’s universities.