Japa: ASUU Declares Nigeria in a Severe Crisis

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Prof. Emmanuel Sodeke

CURRENT REPORT BLOG Nigeria is facing a severe crisis, warns the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), as a growing number of academics migrate to other countries. This alarming trend has prompted ASUU to call for urgent action, emphasizing the need for increased investment in the education system. In a recent event organized by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), ASUU President, Prof Emmanuel Osodoke, highlighted the challenges and suggested critical measures to address the deepening crisis.

The Brain Drain Challenge

ASUU’s concern revolves around the emigration of skilled professionals, particularly academics and medical experts, leaving Nigeria for opportunities abroad. This brain drain poses a significant threat to the nation’s development and raises questions about the sustainability of the education sector. Osodoke emphasized the urgency of rescuing the country from this crisis by prioritizing the retention of skilled individuals within its borders.

ACADEMIC STAFF UNION OF UNIVERSITIES (ASUU) - The ...

Budgetary Reforms and TETFund’s Role

To tackle the crisis, ASUU proposed reforms in budgeting, urging agencies to separate the TETFund budget from Nigeria’s annual budget. This strategic move aims to enhance the effective implementation of funds specifically allocated to the education sector. The call reflects ASUU’s commitment to ensuring that financial resources are channeled directly to universities, contributing to the overall improvement of the education system.

Overcoming Inferiority Complex

Osodoke addressed the issue of dependency on foreign goods and services, encouraging Nigerians to overcome an inferiority complex that leads to reliance on external expertise. He highlighted the importance of utilizing local ideas and resources, emphasizing that every country’s path to development involves leveraging its own capabilities.

ASUU’s Efforts and Challenges

ASUU’s efforts to develop alternatives to systems like IPPIS demonstrate its commitment to finding homegrown solutions to challenges faced by the academic sector. The union’s president urged the government to redirect funds to universities, emphasizing that retaining skilled professionals within the country is crucial for sustainable growth.

TETFund’s Role in Fostering Innovation

The event also showcased the TETFund Alliance for Innovative Research, which aims to support researchers in transforming their ideas into tangible solutions. TETFund’s initiatives, such as TETFAIR, play a vital role in fostering a knowledge-based economy and accelerating sustainable growth in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.

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