Following the recent apathy towards teaching by qualified individuals, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed concern that inadequate welfare conditions for lecturers in public universities are discouraging qualified individuals from pursuing teaching roles.
Professor Ayo Akinwole, chairman of the University of Ibadan Chapter, highlighted this in his New Year message that not only university lecturers but also teachers in primary and secondary schools are affected by low salaries, leading to a shortage of qualified educators.
This situation, he noted, has contributed to the rise of private schools, which many families find financially inaccessible due to high tuition fees.
VANGUARD reports that Akinwole pointed out that Nigeria’s education budget for 2025, which allocates only 7% (approximately N3.52 trillion) of a total N47.90 trillion budget, falls significantly short of the 15%-20% benchmark recommended for developing countries by organizations like UNESCO and UNFPA.
He warned that without increased funding, the education system will remain stagnant.
While acknowledging the federal government’s establishment of a committee to renegotiate the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement, Akinwole cautioned against tactics that delay resolution, referencing past administrations’ failures to act.
He urged the Tinubu administration to prioritize reviewing and signing the draft agreement negotiated under Professor Nimi Briggs to demonstrate commitment to the welfare of public universities.
Akinwole criticised President Bola Tinubu’s proposal to eliminate the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) under a new tax administration bill, arguing that the move would jeopardise essential funding for public universities and effectively commodify higher education in Nigeria.
“The bill proposes that only 50% of the new development levy would support TETFUND in the coming years, with funding ceasing entirely by 2030.”
“ASUU is calling for immediate attention to the welfare of education sector workers, particularly in light of the economic challenges facing the country.”
Akinwole emphasised the need for the federal government to settle outstanding salaries and allowances owed to lecturers, as well as to fulfill commitments made in previous agreements regarding university revitalization.
In the absence of tangible efforts to address these issues, ASUU warned of potential confrontations with the federal government, which could lead to further crises within Nigeria’s university system.
