ASUU and the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities oppose the Federal Government’s plan to deduct 40% from universities’ Internally Generated Revenue, considering it an attack on the university system.
The government’s letter, dated October 17, 2023, outlines the auto-deduction policy, citing a Finance Circular from December 20, 2021.
ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, expresses disappointment, emphasizing that universities do not generate revenue but operate on subsidised charges for services like hostels and ID cards.
He urges parents, students, and Nigerians to resist this perceived attack, pledging ASUU’s engagement with relevant government agencies.
Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors, Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, questions the 40% deduction, noting universities’ financial deficit and the absence of surplus IGR.
He calls for clarification on the definition of IGR, highlighting that user charges fund universities, not profits. Ochefu insists that if the government wants a share, it should fully fund the universities. The committee plans consultations with the Ministry of Education and relevant authorities.
