ASUU: NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES HAMPERED BY FUND MISMANAGEMENT, GOVERNANCE GAPS
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By: Fasasi Hammad
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised alarms over alleged mismanagement of funds and governance deficiencies in several Nigerian universities.
ASUU President, Professor Chris Pinuwa, highlighted the concerns during the unveiling of the 2025 agreement between the Federal Government and the union in Abuja on Wednesday.
Pinuwa warned that these challenges are undermining accountability, institutional stability, and academic standards across the university system. He pointed out that weak governance structures have continued to impede the effective use of resources in some institutions.
While university autonomy is recognised in principle and partially enshrined in law, Pinuwa said its implementation remains weak, resulting in persistent external interference in university administration. “Arbitrary dissolution of governing councils and undue involvement in the appointment of vice-chancellors have become recurring problems that erode meritocracy and institutional stability,” he added.
He noted that such interventions often lead to conflicts, litigation, and staff polarisation, disrupting academic activities and effective management. Pinuwa also expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of prolonged acting vice-chancellorships, calling for greater oversight of governing councils and senior university officers to safeguard institutional integrity.
On research funding, the ASUU president stressed its importance for the relevance and global competitiveness of Nigerian universities. He noted that research and development funding forms a key component of the 2025 re-negotiated ASUU-FG agreement.
“Nigerian universities have long suffered from inadequate research funding, and I am pleased that research and development is now part of the 2025 ASUU-FG agreement. It was also agreed that the National Research Council (NRC) Bill would be submitted to the National Assembly for consideration. The bill aims to allocate at least one per cent of GDP to research, innovation, and development. I am confident that lawmakers will act promptly to pass this bill,” Pinuwa said.
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