ASUU Urges FG to Fix Existing Universities Rather Than Creating New Ones

ASUU Urges FG to Fix Existing Universities Rather Than Creating New Ones

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has accused the Federal Government of misrepresenting the status of negotiations with the union. The union’s Akure Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Adeola Egbedokun, stated that newly established universities are mere “crises centers” and that the government should focus on fixing existing institutions rather than creating new ones.

ASUU expressed concern that despite the seven-year moratorium placed by the Federal Government on the establishment of new universities, the government has gone ahead to approve new institutions. The union believes that this move will further stretch the already limited resources and compromise the quality of education.

Egbedokun noted that while existing universities remain poorly funded, the Federal Government continues to approve new ones, even after announcing a freeze on such approvals. The union urged the government to prioritize the welfare of existing institutions and their staff rather than spreading resources thinly across new universities.

The union also rejected the salary adjustment proposed by the Federal Government, describing it as “a tokenistic and insulting gesture.” ASUU’s National Executive Council has refused to accept the offer, and the union is determined to continue pushing for better working conditions and improved funding for universities.

ASUU’s demands are clear: the government should focus on fixing existing universities rather than creating new ones. The union’s call for improved funding and better working conditions for staff is a reasonable one, and it is hoped that the government will take their demands seriously and work towards finding a solution.