This apprehension was voiced by ASUU National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, during an event held on Thursday to honor Prof. Andy Egwunyenga for his successful tenure as Vice Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU).
The event occurred at the Delta State University campus in Abraka, situated within the Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.
Osodeke cautioned that if public universities were to emulate this action without appropriate supervision, it could potentially compromise the credibility and integrity of authentic academic pursuits.
He drew attention to the fact that primary and secondary schools are currently producing graduates with high grades but a lack of substantial knowledge.
Furthermore, the union leader expressed concern about the significant emigration of skilled Nigerian professionals to countries perceived to offer superior employment and living conditions.
He emphasized that incidents such as building collapses in Nigeria highlight significant underlying problems within the country's institutions.
“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.
“The situation has changed; the unions must return to the frontline for a renewed phase of their struggle.
“ASUU will consistently speak out against injustices and support fairness,” he said.
A union representative, Professor Omotoye Olorode, presented a discourse on the topic of "New University Curricula (CCMAS): Contextual Analysis and Emerging Concerns."
He posited that the CCMAS functions as an instrument of imperialism, designed to erode the established academic frameworks within the nation's universities.
Professor Olorode underscored that this initiative perpetuates a system where Africans remain confined to the role of agricultural laborers, catering to the agricultural needs of developed nations.
“UNESCO recommends that 26 per cent of the nation’s budget should be allocated to education.
“Nigeria has never reached more than seven per cent, which reflects our stagnation and reluctance to facilitate growth in the education sector,” he said.
The Chairman of DELSU ASUU, Dr. Paul Opone, expressed his sincere congratulations to the outgoing vice chancellor, Egwunyenga, for his commendable service. He noted that since 2019, DELSU had been in urgent need of effective leadership to address the challenges stemming from inadequate governance.
Dr. Opone commended Egwunyenga for fulfilling the aspirations of both ASUU and the broader university community, which he stated led to a significant sense of celebration throughout the institution.
“This is the first occasion where ASUU had to honour a lecturer at DELSU with such a celebration.
“Prof. Egwunyenga deserves far more than the praises he has received,” he said.
Egwunyenga conveyed his happiness regarding the many accolades he has received from all three senatorial districts within the state. He revealed that his methodology as vice chancellor was shaped by the themes presented in Festus Iyayi’s book, “Demons and Monsters.”