Nigerians Yet To Reap Democracy’s Benefits, Says ASUU
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed concerns that after 25 years of civilian rule, Nigerians have not experienced the true benefits of democracy.
In a statement marking the June 12 Democracy Day, ASUU’s University of Ibadan chairman, Professor Ayo Akinwole, highlighted these issues. His statement, titled “Twenty-Five Years of Democratic Era in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic: The Experience of the University System,” urged both federal and state governments to better support public universities to address the nation’s problems. Akinwole criticized the persistent neglect of the public university system by successive democratic administrations.
He emphasized the need for Nigerian universities to be sufficiently funded and equipped to solve national issues and to compete globally. He called on the president and state governors to focus on enhancing existing federal and state universities.
Akinwole pointed out that basic amenities enjoyed in advanced democracies are still lacking in Nigeria. Problems such as unstable power supply, inadequate healthcare, poor road infrastructure, and a poorly funded educational system persist due to government neglect. He noted that the principles of liberty and equality, fundamental to modern democracies, are largely absent in Nigeria. This absence is evident in the frequent harassment of citizens by those in power and their agents.
He reiterated the necessity for well-supported universities to tackle Nigeria’s challenges and match global standards. He mentioned that a joint ASUU and NUC committee had previously submitted a draft bill to the National Assembly to address these issues, but it was not passed. Consequently, both federal and state governments have continued to establish universities without ensuring proper funding.
ASUU also noted that Nigeria has over 170 universities, with 79 privately owned and the remaining 91 split between federal and state ownership. Despite this, about 95% of students are in public universities, highlighting the need to prioritize funding for these institutions.
