Situation in Nigeria worse than 1984, says Universities’ Union

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in Nigeria has criticized the current state of governance in Nigeria, describing the country as being in a “hopeless state” due to corruption and poor leadership.

This sentiment stands in sharp contrast to the “Renewed Hope” mantra of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, made this statement over the weekend at the 2024 edition of the ASUU State of the Nation Conference, held in Abuja.

Themed “Nigeria in a State of General Crisis: The Search for a New Path to Development,” the conference was convened to address the country’s deteriorating situation and to offer solutions aimed at restoring hope and development.

Osodeke warned that Nigeria’s governance system, which he claimed is controlled by foreign interests and only benefits a select few, must be overhauled.

He expressed disappointment that despite Nigeria’s wealth, citizens continue to suffer in poverty, calling for the country’s resources to be used for the common good.

“As the nation marks its 64th independence anniversary, it is disheartening to note that the situation today is worse than it was in 1984,” Osodeke said.

He emphasized that ASUU’s mission goes beyond advocating for improved conditions for its members, but also includes protecting and advancing the socio-economic and cultural interests of the Nigerian people.

He noted that ASUU was established in 1978 to champion these causes, and since then, it has continued to organize national conferences aimed at generating ideas for better governance.

Reflecting on ASUU’s first State of the Nation Conference in 1984, held at the University of Benin, Osodeke drew parallels between the economic crises of that period and the current situation.

He lamented that the failure of past governments to implement resolutions from that 1984 conference has contributed to today’s challenges.

Key issues highlighted by ASUU at the time included chronic shortages of essential goods and services, infrastructure collapse, mass unemployment, high inflation, and the exploitation of Nigeria’s resources by foreign firms, aided by local elites.

Osodeke argued that these problems persist today, worsened by a foreign-controlled governance system that serves external interests.

Also speaking at the event, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by a deputy, commended ASUU for its continued advocacy for better funding of universities and improved working conditions for academic staff.

He acknowledged ASUU’s role in shaping Nigeria’s educational system and its contributions to national development.

ASUU called on the government to urgently address the current crises and implement solutions that will rescue Nigeria from the stronghold of foreign and local exploiters.

The union also stressed the importance of restoring Nigeria’s dignity and advancing the welfare of its people.

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