The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has voiced concerns about the growing number of first-class graduates emerging from private universities in Nigeria.
Speaking at an event held to honor Prof. Andy Egwunyenga for his successful tenure as Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU), ASUU National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, cautioned that such trends could undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s academic system. The event took place at the DELSU campus in Abraka, Delta State.
Prof. Osodeke warned that if public universities adopt similar practices without implementing proper checks, it could lead to a decline in genuine academic pursuits. He also highlighted a troubling trend in primary and secondary schools, where students achieve excellent grades yet often lack the foundational knowledge needed for higher learning.
The ASUU President also touched on the “brain drain” crisis, lamenting the mass migration of skilled Nigerian professionals abroad. He cited incidents like building collapses as evidence of deeper systemic failures affecting the nation’s institutions.
“Academics once enjoyed a decent standard of living, but the situation has drastically changed. We must renew our commitment to fighting for the survival of our educational system,” Osodeke declared, pledging that ASUU would remain steadfast in advocating for justice and fairness.
Prof. Omotoye Olorode, another ASUU member, delved into the challenges posed by Nigeria’s new university curriculum, the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS). He criticized it as a neo-imperialist tool designed to weaken Nigeria’s education sector and perpetuate dependence on developed nations.
Olorode also decried the government’s continued neglect of education, noting that Nigeria has never allocated more than 7% of its budget to education—far below UNESCO’s 26% recommendation.
The event also featured glowing tributes to Prof. Egwunyenga. DELSU ASUU Chairman, Dr. Paul Opone, praised the outgoing Vice-Chancellor for his exemplary leadership, noting that his tenure steered the institution through challenging times. He described the celebration as a historic moment for DELSU, recognizing Egwunyenga’s significant impact on the university community.
