ASUU CRITICIZES FG’S APPROVAL OF NEW PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES AMID MORATORIUM. (PHOTO).

 ASUU Criticizes FG’s Approval of New Private Universities Amid Moratorium

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has strongly criticized the Federal Government’s recent approval of new private universities, accusing it of contradicting its own policy. The criticism comes in response to the government’s announcement of a seven-year moratorium on the establishment of new tertiary institutions, a measure intended to address the proliferation of underfunded and substandard universities.

In a statement issued on Thursday, ASUU’s National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, described the approval of additional private universities as a “flagrant violation” of the moratorium and a setback to efforts to improve the quality of tertiary education in Nigeria. “The Federal Government’s decision to approve new private universities while the moratorium is still in place undermines the integrity of its policies and raises questions about its commitment to addressing the systemic issues plaguing our education sector,” Osodeke said.

ASUU expressed concern that the rapid establishment of new institutions, particularly private ones, often prioritizes profit over academic standards, exacerbating challenges such as inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and a shortage of qualified academic staff in existing universities. The union argued that the government should focus on strengthening public universities, many of which are grappling with dilapidated facilities, unpaid salaries, and outdated curricula.

The union further highlighted that the approval of new universities disregards the recommendations of stakeholders in the education sector, who have long advocated for a more cautious approach to expanding tertiary institutions. ASUU called on the Federal Government to reverse the approvals and honor the moratorium to ensure proper regulation and quality control in the education system.

When contacted for a response, a spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Education declined to comment, stating that the matter was under review. However, sources within the ministry suggested that the approvals were part of a broader strategy to increase access to tertiary education and accommodate the growing number of qualified candidates seeking admission.

ASUU has vowed to engage with relevant authorities and stakeholders to address the issue and urged the government to prioritize the revitalization of existing institutions. The union also called for increased funding for public universities and the implementation of agreements reached with the government to avert potential industrial action.

This development adds to the ongoing tension between ASUU and the Federal Government, with the union repeatedly raising concerns over unmet demands and policy inconsistencies in Nigeria’s education sector.