School facilities outdated, salaries low – ASUU president slams FG

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has decried the state of Nigerian universities, accusing the federal government of neglecting education with outdated facilities, poor funding, and low salaries that continue to push lecturers abroad.

ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, said on Wednesday that the failure to upgrade infrastructure and improve conditions of service has weakened Nigeria’s higher institutions, leaving them poorly ranked globally and unable to retain skilled professionals.

“Out of 333 universities in Nigeria, fewer than five make it into the top 1,000 in Africa.

“Our laboratories and libraries are outdated, salaries are poor, and even basic amenities like staff restrooms are in terrible shape,” Piwuna lamented during an interview.

He stressed that while the union has repeatedly engaged the government in dialogue, none of the agreements on funding, welfare, or autonomy have been implemented.

“We sit with government negotiators, and both sides agree on key issues.

“But beyond those meetings, nothing happens. Implementation has been completely ignored,” he said.

The ASUU leader, who also works at Jos University Teaching Hospital, revealed that worsening conditions have fueled a wave of migration among lecturers and medical experts.

“In my hospital alone, more than 20 consultants have left in the past two years.

“Every few months I sign reference letters for doctors relocating abroad. The same applies to lecturers who are leaving in droves,” he disclosed.

Piwuna noted that other African countries are reaping the benefits of Nigeria’s brain drain.

“In Uganda, you will find at least 20 Nigerian lecturers in one university,” he said, questioning why the government has failed to improve salaries and retain talent.

He further explained that strikes remain a last resort for lecturers, despite the disruption they cause to students and families.

“No lecturer is happy with strikes. Our children are also in the system.

“But unless government addresses these issues, instability in the education sector will persist,” he warned.

Piwuna urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, parents, and civil society groups to join in demanding urgent reforms, stressing that the fight goes beyond the union.

“This is not just about ASUU. It is about our students, our future, and the progress of this country,” he added.