Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) University of Ibadan branch, Professor Ayoola Akinwole, has urged the government to give priority attention to the nation’s education sector.
He said that the federal and state governments must resolve the conflicts between the Nigerian government, the working masses, and Nigerian students in the university system.
The ASUU boss noted that the government needs to “Resolve these conflicts by addressing the concerns of all three groups and prioritising the development of Nigeria’s education sector”.
Akinwole, while presenting the 556th inaugural lecture entitled “Aquaculture Engineering: Reconciling the Balance in The Triad Of Fish, Plants And Man” at the University of Ibadan, said the conflict stems from “Insufficient allocation of resources to education, leading to inadequate infrastructure, poor facilities, and outdated curricula.
“Allegations of corruption and mismanagement of funds within the education sector. Increment in tuition fees makes education unaffordable for many students. Poor living conditions in hostels and academic buildings, inadequate healthcare, and lack of student support services.
“Workers’ Rights and Benefits: Disputes over workers’ rights, salaries, and benefits have led to strikes by academic and non-academic staff. The degradation of university infrastructure has affected teaching and learning conditions.
“Government interference in university affairs, appointments, and policies. Controversial inconsistent policies lead to high unemployment rates among graduates, causing frustration and discontent.”
He stated that ASUU and her members continue to display, “Uncommon courage and resilience to look straight into the eyes of oppressors both at local (individual University branches) and national (federal and state government) levels and speak truth to them without minding whose Ox is gored.”
He canvassed for “integrating engineering solutions with biological systems to optimise aquaculture practices”.
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