The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed concern over the increasing number of first-class graduates being produced annually by private universities in Nigeria. The union’s national president, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, raised the issue during an event held in honor of Prof. Andy Egwunyenga’s successful tenure as Vice Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU). The event took place at the DELSU campus in Abraka, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State on Thursday.
Prof. Osodeke questioned the quality of education behind the rising number of first-class degrees in private institutions. “If public universities adopt the same practice without regulation, it could lead to the decline of genuine academic pursuits,” Osodeke warned. He argued that while students in primary and secondary schools are now graduating with impressive grades, they often lack the necessary knowledge to back up their achievements, raising concerns about the academic standards in the country.
The ASUU leader also expressed frustration with the growing trend of skilled Nigerian workers migrating abroad in search of better work and living conditions. He linked this exodus to underlying problems within the country’s academic institutions. “Incidents like building collapse in the country indicate there were significant issues within the nation’s institutions,” Osodeke noted, pointing to broader concerns about Nigeria’s development.
Reflecting on the struggles faced by academics in Nigeria, Osodeke emphasized the need for a renewed push for better conditions for university staff. “The struggle for academics to enjoy a decent standard of living saw some measure of success in the past when academics could sustain a comfortable life,” he said. “The situation has changed; the unions must return to the frontline for a renewed phase of their struggle.” Osodeke reaffirmed ASUU’s commitment to advocating for justice and fairness in the academic sector.
In addition to Osodeke’s remarks, Prof. Omotoye Olorode, a member of the union, delivered a lecture on the topic “New University Curricula (CCMAS): Context and Matters Arising.” He criticized the CCMAS initiative, describing it as an imperialistic tool aimed at disrupting established academic structures in Nigerian universities. According to Olorode, the agenda behind CCMAS is to maintain a system where Africans remain subservient to the agricultural needs of developed nations, rather than advancing their own educational and industrial progress.
Olorode also pointed to the country’s underfunding of education, referencing UNESCO’s recommendation that 26 percent of a nation’s budget should be allocated to education. “Nigeria has never reached more than seven percent, which reflects our stagnation and reluctance to facilitate growth in the education sector,” he lamented. Despite these challenges, Olorode congratulated the outgoing DELSU vice chancellor, Prof. Egwunyenga, for his achievements during his tenure.
Dr. Paul Opone, Chairman of the DELSU chapter of ASUU, also praised Prof. Egwunyenga for his leadership. Opone highlighted the challenges DELSU faced before Egwunyenga’s tenure, noting that the institution had been in need of strong leadership since 2019. “This is the first occasion where ASUU had to honor a lecturer at DELSU with such a celebration. Prof. Egwunyenga deserves far more than the praises he has received,” Opone stated, emphasizing the positive impact of Egwunyenga’s leadership.
In response, Prof. Egwunyenga expressed his gratitude for the accolades he received from the university community across the state’s three senatorial districts. Reflecting on his approach as vice chancellor, he shared that his leadership style was heavily influenced by the narratives found in Festus Iyayi’s book yDemons and Monsters, which he credited with shaping his perspective on university administration.
