Inadequate funding bane of Nigeria's public varsities – ASUU

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has alleged that inadequate funding and other measures being taken by government are the root causes of the problems bedeviling Nigerian universities.

Zonal coordinator of ASUU, Professor Nanmwa Voncir, explained that successive governments have tried to destroy universities through various ways in the past.

Prof Voncir who stated this while dressing a press conference in Bauchi at the weekend said ASUU has always resisted the moves through its various struggles.

“In years past, the Federal Government of Nigeria has continued to cut down the funding of universities especially the capital and overhead costs leading to dilapidated infrastructures and equipment/facilities,” he said.

He said that the only saving grace for the universities and other

tertiary institutions was the intervention by Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

He added that while the universities are bogged down by inadequate

funds, its personnel cost was also reduced which was why most universities could not pay monthly salaries of their staff.

Professor Voncir said that the union viewed the move as an attempt by the federal government to start the privatisation of the universities.

“You are also aware that recently, the Federal Government of Nigeria ordered the closure of all University Staff Primary Schools and the sacking of the staff. This is a direct confrontation with the union because the staff primary school is a product of a negotiated agreement between ASUU and FGN (From 1992 to date),” he added. He called on Nigerians to rise against any plan by the government to undermine the universities.