By Mahdi Waziri Isa
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing university autonomy and better working conditions for lecturers, even as it lamented the ongoing brain drain of academics abroad.
Newly elected ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, declared at a reception for former president Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke in Umudike: “I will sustain the demand for university autonomy, academic freedom and other general conducive environment for ASUU members.”
He emphasized that “strike is a universal tool that is not peculiar to Nigeria alone… but we hope we don’t have to embark on any action.”
Outgoing president Prof. Osodeke recounted ASUU’s battles during the Buhari administration, blaming former Labour Minister Chris Ngige for creating “a lot of confusion when we were struggling for the good of our education system.”
He linked poor lecturer welfare to the academic “japa” syndrome, noting “Our struggles have kept our public Universities where they are today and saved them from collapsing.”
The Michael Okpara University chapter praised Osodeke’s leadership, with Chairperson Chike Ugwuene stating “There is harmony between ASUU MOUAU and the university management… but don’t be surprised if we still ask for our rights.”
University VC Prof. Maduebibisi Iwe commended Osodeke’s “sleepless nights of endless negotiations,” while highlighting that 95% of Nigeria’s university students still attend public institutions.