The University Teachers Union has criticized the current state of governance in Nigeria, saying the country is in a “hopeless state” due to corruption and lack of leadership.
This sentiment stands in sharp contrast to President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s slogan of “new hope”.
ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, made this statement on Thursday at the 2024 ASUU State of the Union Conference held in Abuja.
The conference, themed “Nigeria in General Crisis: Seeking New Paths to Development,” was held to propose solutions to address the country’s deteriorating situation and aim to restore hope and development. It was done.
Osodeke warned that Nigeria’s system of governance, which he claims is dominated by foreign interests and benefits only a select few, needs to be overhauled.
He expressed disappointment that despite Nigeria’s wealth, its people continue to suffer from poverty and called for the country’s resources to be used for the common good.
“As this country celebrates its 64th anniversary of independence, it is disappointing to learn that the situation today is worse than it was in 1984,” Osodeke said.
He stressed that ASUU’s mission includes not only advocating for improved conditions for its members, but also protecting and promoting the socio-economic and cultural interests of Nigerians.
He said ASUU was established in 1978 to champion these ideals and since then has continued to organize national conferences aimed at generating ideas for better governance.
Recalling ASUU’s first State of the Union conference held at the University of Benin in 1984, Mr. Osodeke pointed out similarities between the economic crisis then and the current situation.
He lamented that the failure of past governments to implement the resolutions of the 1984 conference contributed to today’s challenges.
The main issues highlighted by ASUU at the time included chronic shortages of essential goods and services, crumbling infrastructure, mass unemployment, high inflation, and the exploitation of Nigeria’s resources by foreign companies supported by local elites.
Mr. Osodeke argued that these problems persist and are exacerbated by a foreign-dominated system of governance aimed at external interests.
Also speaking at the event was Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Rt. My lord. MP Tajudeen Abbas commended ASUU for its continued advocacy for better funding for universities and improved working conditions for teaching staff.
He acknowledged ASUU’s role in shaping Nigeria’s education system and its contribution to national development.
ASUU called on the government to urgently address the current crisis and implement solutions to save Nigeria from the strongholds of foreign and domestic exploiters.
The union also stressed the importance of restoring Nigeria’s dignity and promoting the welfare of its people.
