The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) launched a scathing attack on the National Universities Commission (NUC), accusing it of overstepping its boundaries and undermining the sanctity of academic freedom in Nigerian universities.
The protest, held at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (MOUAU), witnessed speeches and fiery rhetoric, as university lecturers rallied against what they termed an “unacceptable encroachment” by the NUC.
While Addressing the crowd, Professor Michael Ugwuene, chairman of ASUU MOUAU, alongside Secretary Efe Osodeke, denounced the NUC’s imposition of the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standard (CCMAS). “The NUC, with the backing of the federal government, is attempting to dictate 70% of our academic curriculum, leaving the university senates, who are statutorily responsible for academic programs, with a mere 30%,” Ugwuene declared, his voice echoing through the assembled ranks of academics.
This move, ASUU argues, strips universities of their autonomy and threatens to erode the quality of education in the country. “It is dangerous and unacceptable,” Ugwuene continued, “The very essence of academic freedom is at stake here. If allowed to stand, this encroachment will further destroy university education in Nigeria.”
The protest highlighted a broader spectrum of grievances held by ASUU, including the unchecked proliferation of private universities, which they claim dilutes the quality of higher education. The union also reiterated its long-standing rejection of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPS), accusing it of being a tool designed to victimise ASUU members.
The rally was not just a protest against the NUC but also a clarion call to the federal government to honor previous agreements. ASUU demanded the implementation of negotiated agreements, better wages for university lecturers, and an end to the politicisation of the Earned Academic Allowance.
“As educators, we are committed to nurturing the minds of future generations,” Osodeke stated, “But the current policies are crippling our efforts. We need the government to act swiftly and decisively.”
The rally concluded with a stark warning. ASUU cautioned that if their demands are not met, the nation’s academic sector will face severe consequences. The atmosphere at MOUAU was charged with a sense of urgency and determination, as lecturers pledged to continue their fight for academic integrity and better working conditions.
