The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) accuses the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank of undermining Nigeria’s education sector. The union made the claim during its Heroes Day 2024-2025 ceremony in Abuja, citing external pressures on the country’s education policies.
ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, voiced deep concern over the continued neglect of the union’s long-awaited 2009 agreement with the Nigerian government. He revealed that despite multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Memoranda of Action (MoAs), the agreement remains unsigned. This, Osodeke argues, is partly due to the influence of international financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank, which have pushed for policies that weaken public education in Nigeria.
Frustration over unfulfilled agreements
The delay in renegotiating the 2009 agreement with the federal government has led to widespread frustration within ASUU. The union feels its demands for improved funding and better working conditions for lecturers have been sidelined. “Our agreements have been ignored for too long, and this is partly due to the harmful influence of the IMF and World Bank,” Prof. Osodeke stated.
He also criticized the government’s implementation of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), which ASUU believes disrupts the autonomy of university workers. Moreover, Osodeke highlighted the issue of salary withholding, with some ASUU members having gone unpaid for up to three and a half months. These unresolved issues have contributed to the growing tensions between ASUU and the federal government.
ASUU accuses IMF of hindering education progress
According to ASUU, international financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank have played a significant role in Nigeria’s education crisis. Prof. Osodeke explained that the policies pushed by these organizations have made it difficult for the Nigerian government to meet the financial needs of the university system.
The IMF and World Bank often recommend austerity measures and budget cuts to developing countries, including Nigeria. ASUU argues that these recommendations harm public education by reducing funding for universities and increasing privatization. Prof. Osodeke stressed that such policies leave public universities underfunded and unable to meet the needs of students and staff.
Honouring ASUU’s heroes
Despite the challenges, ASUU remains resolute in its mission to protect and improve Nigeria’s public universities. The Heroes Day event honored members, both past and present, for their sacrifices in defending education in Nigeria. Prof. Osodeke paid tribute to figures like the late Prof. Festus Iyayi, a former ASUU president who fought for better conditions in Nigerian universities.
The union also announced new Ph.D. grants worth N500,000 each, aimed at supporting members in their academic pursuits. These grants are part of ASUU’s ongoing efforts to uplift its members and ensure that Nigeria’s universities remain centers of excellence.
ASUU expressed solidarity with members facing challenges in universities such as Kogi State University, Lagos State University, Ebonyi State University, and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University. These institutions have faced serious financial and administrative problems, leaving staff and students to bear the brunt of the crisis.
Prof. Osodeke concluded his speech by urging the government to address ASUU’s concerns and improve funding for public education. He also reiterated that ASUU would continue to fight against policies that undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s education system.
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