The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has criticized the Federal Government’s decision to allocate only 7% of the 2025 budget to education, labeling it inadequate for meaningful transformation in the sector.
In a statement issued by Professor Ayo Akinwole, Chairman of ASUU’s University of Ibadan chapter, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, the union highlighted the continued neglect of public universities, particularly in terms of staff welfare and infrastructure development.
Akinwole noted that:
“The poor welfare conditions of public varsity lecturers have discouraged qualified professionals from joining the university system, while private institutions, with exorbitant fees, remain out of reach for many Nigerians.”
ASUU emphasized that the 7% allocation (₦3.52 trillion of the ₦47.90 trillion budget) is far below the UNESCO-recommended benchmark of 15%-20% for underdeveloped nations.
The union also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to revisit the Nimi Briggs-led renegotiated draft agreement from 2021, which had been sidelined by the previous government.
“Instead of initiating fresh renegotiations, the government should demonstrate goodwill by reviewing and signing the Nimi Briggs-led agreement as a step towards restoring hope in Nigeria’s public universities,” the statement added.
ASUU further warned that the underfunding of public universities would lead to the commodification of education and exacerbate the challenges facing the sector.
This call to action underscores the need for increased investment in education to address systemic stagnation and ensure equitable access to quality learning opportunities in Nigeria.