…warns of escalating multidimensional insecurity

By Adeola Badru 

The University of Ibadan Chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has raised alarms regarding the escalating hardships faced by public university workers in Nigeria, describing the situation as increasingly unbearable.

In a statement released yesterday, the chapter’s chairman, Professor Ayoola Akinwole, emphasised that the union has been patient in giving the government time to address these issues. 

However, he noted that the federal government’s response has been lackadaisical, adding that with another 14-day ultimatum nearing its end, he urged the government to meet the union’s demands to maintain relative peace on university campuses across the nation.

Professor Akinwole highlighted the dire consequences of the current situation, stating, “Many lecturers have fled the country, while others have died due to financial hardships.”

“Those who remain are often burdened with debt, struggling to survive, and many have resigned to pursue jobs in the private sector.”

Reflecting on Nigeria’s 64 years of independence, he lamented the decline in both education and the state of the nation, attributing this to the diminishing quality of political leadership. 

He criticised political leaders at all levels for their consistent response to workers’ requests, particularly in the education sector: 

“The government has claimed it lacks the resources to meet our demands.”

Professor Akinwole attributed Nigeria’s myriad of problems to the neglect of its educational sector,  asserting that without adequate funding, improved welfare packages for lecturers, and a conducive working environment, the university system will be unable to fulfil its mandates.

In his admonition to President BolaTinubu, the ASUU chairman urged him to move beyond the rhetoric of being a “have-not” and to take decisive action to resolve the outstanding issues raised by the union. 

He called for increased investment in education, improved remuneration for academics, and a comprehensive approach to the economic crisis facing the country.

Professor Akinwole warned that if the ongoing hardships are not addressed, the nation could face escalating multidimensional insecurity. 

“It is particularly troubling that, amidst these economic challenges, the government is prioritizing expenditures on items like new presidential jets and luxury vehicles,” he noted.

Professor Akinwole further expressed concern over the declining quality of life for ordinary Nigerians, highlighting the widening gap between the rich and the poor. 

He stated, “The rich continue to accumulate wealth while the poor grow poorer. The middle class has been effectively eliminated by the burden of an increasing number of dependents, as the government focuses on palliatives instead of empowering the impoverished.”

He concluded by emphasising that failure to address these issues will lead to serious consequences, including food insecurity and pervasive poverty, which could spiral into greater social unrest. 

He criticised the government’s spending priorities, asserting that a fraction of the funds allocated for luxury items could significantly alleviate the problems plaguing the education sector and lay the groundwork for Nigeria’s economic growth.