The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has unleashed a fiery tirade against the Federal Government, accusing it of dishonesty and incompetence in handling the state of Nigeria's higher education system. Their thunderous message? Fix existing universities instead of creating “crisis centers”!

At a press conference held on the prestigious grounds of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, the ASUU Akure Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Adeola Egbedokun, didn't hold back. He slammed the government for blatantly misrepresenting the status of ongoing negotiations, questioning the rationale behind approving new universities when the current ones are in dire need of attention!

Despite a supposed seven-year moratorium on establishing new universities,an agreement touted by President Bola Tinubu’s administration,the government shockingly greenlit the creation of nine new universities, including one in Epe. 

“Just a few months ago, the government promised no new licenses for seven years. Yet here we are, seeing new institutions springing up like weeds!” Egbedokun exclaimed, flanked by a cadre of ASUU leaders, each echoing his frustration. 

In a move that's being described as a mere “token,” the government proposed a meager 35% increase in academic salaries,a gesture deemed “insulting” by Egbedokun and his cohort. “This pathetic offer will not stop the brain drain or restore dignity to our academic profession,” he declared emphatically, making it clear that ASUU is fed up with superficial solutions!

With the clock ticking, less than a month remains for the government to respond to ASUU’s demands, the stakes are high. Egbedokun and his fellow academics are demanding real change: from overdue salary adjustments to the urgent need for sustainable funding of universities. 

As if the situation couldn’t get any murkier, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, confirmed that the approvals for new universities were granted before the controversial moratorium, raising even more questions. 

In a time when Nigeria's education system is on the brink, the message from ASUU is clear: Enough is enough! The future of our nation hinges on a robust investment in education, not half-hearted measures and deceptive promises.