Increase in first-class degrees from private varsities worries ASUU

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed concern over the increasing number of first-class graduates being produced by private universities in Nigeria.

Speaking at an event in honor of Prof. Andy Egwunyenga, the outgoing Vice Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU), ASUU National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, warned that such trends, if replicated by public universities without proper regulation, could undermine the integrity of academic achievements.

The ceremony, held at DELSU’s Abraka campus, saw Osodeke reflecting on the broader state of education in Nigeria. He lamented that students graduating from primary and secondary schools with high grades often lack adequate knowledge and skills.

The ASUU president also raised alarm over the ongoing “mass exodus” of skilled Nigerian professionals to countries offering better work conditions, linking the trend to systemic failures in education and other sectors. He cited incidents such as building collapses as evidence of institutional shortcomings.

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“There was a time when academics enjoyed a decent quality of life,” Osodeke said. “Now, the situation has changed, and unions must renew efforts to advocate for fair conditions. ASUU will continue to champion justice and equity in academia.”

Another ASUU member, Prof. Omotoye Olorode, presented a paper titled “New University Curricula (CCMAS): Context and Matters Arising,” criticizing the CCMAS as a tool of foreign influence designed to disrupt Nigeria’s academic frameworks. He argued it perpetuates a system where Africans are relegated to supporting the agricultural needs of developed nations.

“Nigeria has never allocated more than seven percent of its budget to education, far below UNESCO’s recommendation of 26 percent,” Olorode noted. “This reflects the stagnation in our education sector.”

The event also celebrated Egwunyenga’s achievements as vice chancellor. DELSU ASUU Chairman, Dr. Paul Opone, commended Egwunyenga for his leadership, stating, “Since 2019, the institution has struggled with poor leadership. Prof. Egwunyenga met and exceeded the expectations of ASUU and the university community, earning widespread respect.”

In his response, Egwunyenga expressed gratitude for the accolades, crediting his leadership style to the themes in Festus Iyayi’s book, Demons and Monsters. He highlighted the support he received from all parts of Delta State during his tenure.

“This is the first time ASUU has celebrated a DELSU lecturer in this manner,” Opone added. “Prof. Egwunyenga truly deserves the recognition.”

Increase in first-class degrees from private varsities worries ASUU

TETFund stops fresh foreign scholarships for varsity lecturers, others

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has suspended its foreign scholarship component under the TETFund Scholarship for Academic Staff (TSAS) Intervention.

The decision, attributed to rising overseas training costs and increasing cases of abscondment, will take effect from January 1, 2025.

This was disclosed in a letter signed by TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono addressed the heads of beneficiary institutions, including vice-chancellors, rectors, and provosts.

The letter, dated November 25, 2024, stated:

“In response to the current excessive cost of training in foreign institutions, coupled with the high rate of abscondment of scholars, the Board of Trustees of the Fund has approved the suspension of the foreign component of the TETFund Scholarship for Academic Staff (TSAS) Intervention.”

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Institutions have been advised to prioritize local training needs, ensuring the programme is implemented within Nigerian institutions.

Echono emphasized that this shift is intended to reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves, enhance investment in local academic capacity, and expand the number of beneficiaries.

He further clarified that scholars currently enrolled in foreign institutions under the programme will continue to receive sponsorship until they complete their studies.

This move reflects TETFund’s strategic focus on optimizing resources and strengthening local education systems to achieve a broader impact.

TETFund stops fresh foreign scholarships for varsity lecturers, others

Poly lecturers to embark on nationwide strike from Dec 2

The Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Kaduna Polytechnic Chapter, Comrade Abubakar J. Abdullah, said the union will shut down all polytechnics nationwide by December 2 due to the Federal Government’s failure to meet its demands.

He explained that the union leadership issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government on October 6, 2024, outlining pressing demands aimed at resolving the systemic challenges that hinder the progress of polytechnics. However, he said the government failed to address the issues.

Speaking at a news briefing on Tuesday, Nov. 26, in Kaduna, the chairman listed some of the demands, including swift release of the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment Intervention fund, immediate implementation of the approved 25/35% salary review across all public polytechnics, and the payment of accrued arrears.

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Poly lecturers to embark on nationwide strike from Dec 2