On Tuesday, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), expressed concern over the increasing shortage of staff in various departments and units of Nigeria’s public universities.
This shortage, according to Prof. Ayo Akinwole, the Chairman of the University of Ibadan Chapter of ASUU, is a result of lecturers resigning in search of better opportunities.
Prof. Akinwole highlighted the deplorable conditions of Nigeria’s public universities, emphasizing the visible stress and frustration among poorly-remunerated lecturers. He called on President Bola Tinubu to address the situation by reviewing the conditions of service, including salaries, allowances, and infrastructure.
The chairman criticized the government’s paradoxical approach of proposing to establish 32 more universities while not adequately funding existing institutions.
He pointed out that the factors contributing to lecturers’ resignations include poor and delayed salaries, unpaid allowances, inadequate infrastructure, lack of respect for the academic community, and a sense of dwindling hope.
Akinwole argued that merely establishing more universities would not solve the problem. Instead, he suggested improving the capacity of existing universities to admit more students.
He warned that unless the government takes intentional steps to review and improve the conditions of service, there will continue to be a brain drain, with talented individuals leaving for better opportunities abroad.
The chairman also highlighted the bureaucratic hurdles in the recruitment process, noting that Vice Chancellors face challenges in replacing resigned staff due to delays in obtaining approval from authorities.
He called for a more efficient system to prevent the loss of quality academic talent to other countries.
