- The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised concerns over the increasing number of Nigerian lecturers relocating abroad due to financial hardships and unpaid wages
- ASUU’s national president, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, warns that if this trend continues, Nigerian universities will face a severe shortage of qualified lecturers
- The government’s continued establishment of new universities without addressing staffing issues exacerbates the problem, potentially leading to a decline in the quality of education
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised alarm over the increasing number of Nigerian lecturers relocating abroad, leading to a dwindling number of qualified educators in Nigerian universities.
ASUU’s national president, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, told PUNCH that the challenges facing lecturers in 2024 are driving many to seek better opportunities overseas.
Significant Challenges for Nigerian Lecturers
Prof. Osodeke highlighted that lecturers are struggling to make ends meet, with many facing financial hardships.
“Funding has always been a challenge for university professors. It’s difficult for a professor to survive on just N450,000 a month, especially when they are spending over N200,000 on fuel alone due to the recent hikes in fuel prices. With the rising costs of electricity and other living expenses, it’s becoming increasingly hard for both lecturers and students. I can only imagine how students are managing to come to school under these circumstances.”
The government owes lecturers three and a half months of arrears and a full year of wage awards, exacerbating their financial struggles.
The situation has led to an alarming exodus of lecturers seeking better prospects abroad, which, if not addressed, could result in a severe shortage of qualified lecturers in Nigerian universities.
Impact of Underfunding and Inadequate Staffing
The government’s continued establishment of new universities without adequately addressing staffing issues is a significant concern.
With only a few qualified lecturers available, the quality of education in Nigerian universities is at risk.
Prof. Osodeke pointed out that the rising costs of living, including fuel and electricity, make it difficult for professors to survive on their current salaries.
He expressed concern over how students manage to attend school under such challenging circumstances.
ASUU Speaks on Nationwide Indefinite Strike
Legit.ng reported that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has revealed why it has held off declaring a nationwide strike despite months of threats.
ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, disclosed in an exclusive interview with the Nigerian Tribune over the weekend that the delay was a deliberate effort to give the Federal Government ample time to address the union’s long-standing grievances.
.. Source: Legit.ng
