In a rare moment of alignment between policy and advocacy, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Sokoto Zone, has commended the Federal Government for placing a moratorium on the establishment of new public universities.
But beneath the applause lies a deeper story—one of systemic neglect, broken agreements, and the quiet erosion of Nigeria’s higher education system.
At a press briefing following ASUU’s Zonal National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, Zonal Coordinator Prof. Abubakar Sabo described the moratorium as a long-awaited response to ASUU’s decade-long warnings against the proliferation of “mushroom universities”—institutions launched without infrastructure, staffing, or sustainable funding.
“We were not surprised when the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, revealed that over 30 universities had zero subscriptions for admission,” Sabo explained.
The revelation underscores a troubling trend: universities created for political and financial gain, rather than academic excellence.
ASUU’s concern is not about expansion, but genuinely about the hollowing out of quality.
Central to ASUU’s demands is the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement (since about 16 years ago)—a document that outlines reforms in university governance, funding, autonomy, and academic freedom. Despite repeated calls, the government has failed to honour its commitments; thus, it amounts to a promise deferred.
“This draft covers vital areas including conditions of service, university autonomy, academic freedom, and a review of laws governing JAMB and NUC,” Sabo emphasised. But the union’s patience is wearing thin, a forlorn hope. After more than two years of waiting, ASUU is demanding action—not just dialogue.
From all indications, the former lecturers are practically retired, forgotten, and Underpaid. Perhaps the most damning indictment came in ASUU’s account of retired lecturers under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). Many receive pensions as low as ₦150,000 per month—despite decades of service.
“It is unacceptable and cruel that a senior academic with over 40 years of service receives a paltry monthly pension in the current economic climate,” Sabo lamented.
With inflation at 21.88% and the cost of living rising across essentials, retired scholars are being pushed into poverty. ASUU argues that this is not just financial mismanagement, but a gross moral failure.
ASUU is currently awaiting action, as its National Executive Council (NEC) has unanimously resolved to give the government time to respond, pending a scheduled meeting to address outstanding issues. However, the union has made it clear that the outcome will determine its next steps.
“The outcome will inform our next steps in addressing our demands and calming our membership,” Sabo concluded.
As it presently stands, it appears, from all indications, that the system is at the brink, as this is not just a story about universities—it’s a story about national priorities.
While the moratorium is a step in the right direction, it’s only a temporary fix. Without honouring past agreements, investing in infrastructure, and protecting the dignity of retired academics, Nigeria risks turning its institutions of higher learning into empty shells.
ASUU has drawn the line. The question now is whether the government will cross it—or continue to sidestep the promises it made.
