Sustaining the Struggle for Autonomy and Academic Freedom
The National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Christopher Piwuna, has reaffirmed the union’s unwavering commitment to championing university autonomy, academic freedom, and better conditions for lecturers across Nigeria's public universities.
Speaking at a reception held in honour of his predecessor, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, by the ASUU chapter of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Prof. Piwuna reiterated that strike actions remain a legitimate tool in ASUU's arsenal—a global instrument used when dialogue with government fails.
“ASUU’s struggle is a collective one involving lecturers, students, and parents,” Piwuna said. “Strike is a universal tool and cannot be taken off the table. But we hope we won’t have to resort to it before our demands are met.”
Piwuna, a Professor of Medicine and the 14th National President of ASUU, emphasized that his administration will sustain the union’s core demands, especially those related to safeguarding the academic environment and resisting government interference in university administration.
Osodeke Reflects on Turbulent Tenure and the Japa Phenomenon
Former ASUU President Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, who served during a particularly tense period of government-union relations, especially under the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari and former Labour Minister Chris Ngige, used the occasion to reflect on ASUU’s resilience.
He attributed the mass migration of Nigerian lecturers (popularly called “japa”) to poor remuneration and lack of respect for the academic profession.
“Ngige’s rough relationship with ASUU created a lot of confusion in the country,” Osodeke noted. “If not for ASUU’s persistence, the public university system could have collapsed like Nigerian Airways and refineries.”
He highlighted a few wins achieved during his tenure, including the removal of universities from the IPPIS platform and securing full salary payments for retiring professors.
“Despite the challenges, 95% of Nigerian university students are still in public institutions, and the quality of education in these schools still surpasses what is offered in many private universities,” he added.
MOUAU Praises Osodeke, Reaffirms Support for ASUU
During the ceremony, the Chairperson of ASUU MOUAU, Dr. Chike Ugwuene, praised Prof. Osodeke for his service, stating that his tenure elevated both the university’s and ASUU’s national profile.
“There is harmony now between ASUU MOUAU and the university management,” Ugwuene said, adding, “but don’t be surprised—if things go wrong, we will demand our rights for the betterment of society.”
The Vice Chancellor of MOUAU, Prof. Maduebibisi Iwe, represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) Prof. Nneoma Obasi, lauded Osodeke’s leadership and acknowledged the sacrifices made during his tenure. “The university stood by Prof. Osodeke through his sleepless nights of endless negotiations,” Obasi said.
ASUU Leadership Pledges Continuity
The reception was also attended by Felix Edeh, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the MOUAU Governing Council, who represented the Visitor to the University, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Former ASUU President Dr. Isa Nasir Fagee chaired the event, offering remarks that further affirmed the importance of continuity in ASUU’s leadership.
As ASUU enters a new phase under Prof. Piwuna, the union appears poised to continue pressing for reforms—insisting on dignity for university staff, structural autonomy for institutions, and quality education for the millions of Nigerian students still dependent on the public university system.