Tackle Corruption, Institutional Decay – ASUU Charges FG
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on the Federal Government to urgently address the deep-rooted corruption, weak institutions, and bureaucratic inefficiencies undermining governance across the country.
Speaking at the 23rd National Delegates Conference held at the University of Benin, ASUU National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, decried the lack of transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability in public administration. He said these issues, compounded by neoliberal economic policies, are worsening poverty, fueling criminality, and prompting mass migration—particularly among Nigerian youths.
“Despite our abundant oil reserves, vast agricultural potential, and a vibrant youth population, we are still grappling with unemployment, inflation, and rising poverty,” Osodeke lamented.
He criticized government policies for stifling the informal economy—despite its importance to millions of Nigerians—through excessive taxation, energy costs, and other operational challenges.
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While acknowledging ongoing efforts in technological and agricultural diversification, Osodeke stressed that such initiatives must be backed by strong political will, infrastructure, and long-term planning.
He also described the ongoing brain drain as a damning verdict on failed reforms and a reflection of the country’s deteriorating socioeconomic conditions.
On national security, the ASUU president raised alarms over worsening insecurity, listing Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, kidnappings in the South, and separatist unrest in the South-East. He said no part of the country is spared and called for urgent action.
Former INEC Chairman and ex-ASUU President, Prof. Attahiru Jega, who also spoke at the event, emphasized that strengthening education is essential for national development.
“Our struggle to improve education and protect academic workers is fundamentally a struggle for nation-building,” Jega said, urging government to prioritize educational reforms and confront systemic corruption head-on.
By PRNigeria
