ASUU Delivers Firm Ultimatum to President Tinubu Over University Governance Crisis
Gabriel Sebopeng 15 May 2024 10

ASUU's Bold Ultimatum to Tinubu: A Call for Academic Governance Reform

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a decisive two-week ultimatum to President Bola Tinubu, demanding the immediate reinstatement of the dissolved governing councils across Nigerian universities. This bold move comes in the wake of the controversial dissolution of these councils in June, a decision that has not only raised eyebrows but also sparked widespread concern within the academic community. The dissolution affected all public institutions, including polytechnics and colleges of education, and ASUU has been vocal in its condemnation, describing the action as both illegal and contrary to the provisions of the Universities Miscellaneous Act.

ASUU's strong reaction to the dissolution centers on several key points. Firstly, the union asserts that the dissolution undermines the legal framework established by the Universities Miscellaneous Act, which outlines the proper governance structure for higher educational institutions in Nigeria. According to ASUU, the sudden removal of these councils not only disrupts the administrative and operational stability of the universities but also paves the way for potential illegalities and mismanagement within the system. The union is particularly concerned that this move could set a dangerous precedent, leading to further unilateral decisions that could undermine the autonomy and integrity of Nigerian universities.

Demands for Reinstatement and Reconstitution

ASUU has been clear in its demands: the union is calling for the immediate reinstatement of governing councils whose tenures have not yet expired, as well as the reconstitution of councils for those institutions where the tenures have elapsed. For ASUU, this is not just a matter of administrative housekeeping but a crucial step towards restoring stability and proper governance within the nation's higher education sector. The union argues that the presence of functioning governing councils is essential for the transparent and accountable management of university affairs, including financial oversight, policy formulation, and strategic development.

Concerns Over Education Funding and Policy Shifts

In addition to its demands regarding university governance, ASUU has also expressed deep concerns over several other issues affecting the Nigerian higher education landscape. Chief among these is the alleged diversion of funds meant for the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to the newly established Students’ Education Loan Scheme. ASUU contends that this diversion is not only against the original intent of the Education Tax Fund but also potentially detrimental to the financial health of tertiary institutions. TETFund was established to provide essential funding for infrastructural development, academic staff training, and research activities within universities, and any diversion of these funds could severely hamper these critical functions.

ASUU's dissatisfaction does not end there. The union has also criticized the government's failure to renegotiate the 2009 agreement, which includes crucial provisions for academic staff welfare, funding commitments, and institutional autonomy. This long-standing agreement has been a point of contention for years, with frequent calls for renegotiation and implementation of agreed terms. ASUU argues that the government's reluctance to address these issues has contributed to the chronic underfunding of Nigerian universities, leading to deteriorating infrastructure, inadequate teaching resources, and poor working conditions for academic staff.

Opposition to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS)

Another major point of contention for ASUU is the continued use of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) for the payment of salaries. The system, introduced to enhance transparency and accountability in the management of government payrolls, has faced significant resistance from ASUU. The union argues that IPPIS is incompatible with the academic environment, where flexibility and autonomy are essential for effective teaching, research, and administration. ASUU contends that the system's rigid and bureaucratic nature has led to numerous payment irregularities, delays, and discrepancies, adversely affecting the morale and productivity of academic staff.

Rejection of the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standard (CCMAS)

In its list of grievances, ASUU has also voiced strong opposition to the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standard (CCMAS) developed by the National Universities Commission (NUC). The union argues that the new curriculum standards, while ostensibly aimed at harmonizing and raising the quality of university education, have been implemented without adequate consultation and consideration of the unique needs and contexts of individual institutions. ASUU is concerned that the CCMAS approach, which emphasizes uniformity and standardization, could stifle academic freedom, innovation, and diversity, which are essential for a vibrant and dynamic higher education system.

Another significant issue raised by ASUU is the proliferation of new universities without proper planning and funding. The union argues that the establishment of new institutions, often driven by political motives rather than genuine educational needs, has led to the creation of 'crisis centers' rather than functional universities. ASUU contends that many of these new institutions lack the necessary infrastructure, qualified staff, and financial resources to operate effectively, thereby exacerbating the challenges facing the Nigerian higher education sector.

Fight for Earned Academic Allowances

ASUU's ultimatum also includes a demand for the payment of arrears related to Earned Academic Allowances, which were incorporated into the 2023 national budget for federal universities. These allowances, which are intended to reward academic staff for their contributions to teaching, research, and community service, have been a longstanding issue of contention between the union and the government. ASUU argues that the timely payment of these allowances is essential for motivating and retaining high-quality academic staff, as well as for fostering a culture of excellence and commitment within Nigerian universities.

ASUU's Commitment to Legal Resistance and Advocacy

ASUU has vowed to explore all legal means to resist what it perceives as moves by politicians to undermine the autonomy and integrity of Nigerian universities. The union's commitment to advocacy and legal action underscores its determination to protect the interests of its members and to safeguard the future of higher education in Nigeria. ASUU's leadership has called on academic staff, students, and other stakeholders to remain vigilant and to actively support the union's efforts to ensure that the government upholds its commitments to the higher education sector.

In conclusion, ASUU's ultimatum to President Bola Tinubu represents a critical moment in the ongoing struggle for the future of higher education in Nigeria. The union's demands for the reinstatement of dissolved governing councils, the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, and the proper funding of universities reflect deep-seated concerns about the direction of educational policy and governance in the country. As the two-week deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the government's response and the potential implications for the Nigerian university system.