During a seminar at Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, ASUU’s National President, Emmanuel Osodeke, highlighted the need for ASUU members to prioritize the advancement of public universities beyond concerns solely about salaries and welfare.
Osodeke cautioned against replicating past strategies where unions narrowly focused on members’ financial interests, leading to the neglect of broader institutional needs, which ultimately resulted in the collapse of public institutions and loss of jobs.
He cited examples of defunct public entities like Nigeria Railways, National Electric Power Authority, and Nigeria Airways, where workers’ unions prioritized individual gains over institutional sustainability, resulting in job losses and institutional decay.
Osodeke also expressed skepticism about the feasibility of the Federal Government’s student loan scheme, arguing that its stringent conditions could favor wealthy families over students from modest backgrounds.
He called for greater education among ASUU members about the union’s principles and the importance of advocating for the overall health and longevity of public institutions.
Osodeke urged the Federal Government to address outstanding salary arrears owed to university staff, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to ensure financial stability within the education sector.
