On Tuesday, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) sounded the alarm, highlighting the significant shortage of staff in various departments and units across Nigeria’s public universities due to the increasing number of lecturers resigning in pursuit of better opportunities.
Prof. Ayo Akinwole, the Chairman of the University of Ibadan Chapter of ASUU, revealed this concern in Ibadan, Oyo State, emphasizing the lamentable state of Nigeria’s public universities. He pointed out that lecturers, burdened by low remuneration, are visibly stressed and frustrated.
Akinwole stated, “Unless President Bola Tinubu addresses the situation by reevaluating the conditions of service, including terms, salaries, allowances, and infrastructure, many proficient individuals will continue resigning and seeking opportunities abroad. Ironically, the same government neglecting education proposes the establishment of 32 additional universities through the National Assembly.”
The chairman attributed lecturer resignations to factors such as inadequate and delayed salaries, unpaid allowances, deficient infrastructure, a lack of respect for the academic community, and a perceived decline in hope.
He argued that simply establishing more universities would not resolve the issue; instead, the focus should be on enhancing the capacity of existing institutions to admit more students.
Akinwole expressed, “The union has received reports of colleagues resigning monthly due to the mistreatment and inadequate remuneration of lecturers in Nigeria. International universities are actively recruiting top talent, and unless the government intentionally revisits and improves the conditions of service, retaining the best minds will prove challenging.”
Highlighting the bureaucratic hurdles in hiring replacements, Akinwole noted that Vice Chancellors face delays in obtaining approval from Abuja, a process that can take six months to a year or more. During this time, highly qualified candidates may opt for countries that prioritize quality. He expressed disappointment that authorities, including the Ministry of Education and legislators, seek to influence university hiring decisions.
