Universities across Nigeria are grappling with a significant staff shortage, attributed to lecturers departing for overseas opportunities amid a surge in retirements. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) cites the “Japa” phenomenon and concerns surrounding the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) as contributing factors.
ASUU branches reveal alarming figures, such as 100 lecturers leaving Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, and the need for 1,000 lecturers at Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara. Institutions like the University of Ilorin and Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology face hundreds of academic vacancies. The problem is exacerbated by bureaucratic bottlenecks and a long-standing embargo on university employment by the Federal Government.
ASUU leaders, including Dr. Ray Chikogu of the University of Benin, stress that staff shortages have persisted due to government interference, hindering recruitment and promotions. The situation is worsened by the Japa syndrome, retirements, and the challenges posed by IPPIS, which has faced resistance from university workers.
Various universities, such as Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Jos, confirm the shortage of both academic and non-academic staff, with the last recruitment occurring in 2017. ASUU members point to the IPPIS and unfavorable working conditions as catalysts for a mass exodus of lecturers.
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, with over 350 academic vacancies, underscores the government’s failure to prioritize university funding. Similar concerns echo from universities in Katsina, Gombe, and Ekiti states, where inadequate funding and restrictive policies contribute to staff shortages.
The brain drain issue is further emphasized by the ASUU Chairman of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Prof. Nurudeen Almustapha, urging urgent government intervention. The IPPIS is criticized for irregular payments, exacerbating the departure of qualified staff seeking better working conditions abroad.
In conclusion, Nigerian universities are grappling with a multifaceted crisis, encompassing inadequate funding, bureaucratic hurdles, and discontent among academic staff. Urgent reforms are needed to address the root causes and prevent further deterioration of the higher education system.
