The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has leveled allegations against the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), accusing them of actively working against Nigeria’s public education system.
This claim comes amid the union’s frustration over the prolonged delay in renegotiating its 2009 agreement with the federal government.
ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed disappointment with the government’s inaction during ASUU’s Heroes Day 2024-2025 ceremony in Abuja, noting that despite multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Memoranda of Action (MoAs), the 2009 agreement remains unsigned.
“The World Bank and IMF are deliberately undermining Nigeria’s public education, which has significantly delayed the fulfillment of our demands,” Osodeke said.
Among other issues, Osodeke raised concerns over the enforced Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), which ASUU has criticized as incompatible with the operational structure of public universities.
The union president further highlighted the hardship imposed on its members, citing the withholding of salaries for three and a half months, which has compounded the grievances.
As part of its commitment to academic advancement, ASUU announced the distribution of Ph.D. grants worth N500,000 each to selected members following rigorous proposal evaluations.
Osodeke commended the resilience of ASUU members in defending Nigeria’s public university system and expressed solidarity with colleagues facing challenges in institutions like Kogi State University, Lagos State University, Ebonyi State University, and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.
“ASUU has always stood firm to safeguard public education in Nigeria. This commitment to excellence is why we honor both past and present members for their sacrifices,” he said.
The Heroes Day event paid homage to figures like the late Prof. Festus Iyayi, a former ASUU president, and other members who have made significant contributions to ASUU’s mission of improving Nigeria’s public education system.