- Nigeria’s roads are in terrible condition, worse than those in Rwanda and South Sudan, SSANU criticised the government’s inaction.
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has expressed concerns regarding the appointment of Vice Chancellors, alleging the government has turned it into a political project.
SSANU also decried the inadequate funding of universities and inter-university centres, stating that institutions meant for education now resemble administrative offices rather than learning environments.
Additionally, the association criticised the poor state of Nigerian roads, arguing that they are in a worse condition than those found in Rwanda and South Sudan.
Speaking during the 50th Regular National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, SSANU National President, Comrade Mohamed Haruna Ibrahim, condemned the government’s neglect of education.
“We have said it before, and we will say it again: the government is not serious about education in Nigeria, particularly university education.”
“Funding is at its lowest ebb. Previously, the challenge was inadequate capital funding, but now even personnel costs are not being properly funded. How can universities function without proper funding? Universities are about teaching, research, and community service.”
“Yet, today, most of our universities are beginning to look like local government headquarters. Even the appointment of Vice Chancellors has been localized to the extent that it now resembles a constituency project, where the Vice Chancellor must come from the host community. This is absurd.”
“It is a major setback for international standards. The selection process should be open to both internal and external candidates. Recruitment of principal officers and other staff positions is becoming politicized, which is unacceptable.”
Ibrahim further cautioned that restricting university admissions to students from host communities reduces exposure and limits the broad educational experience necessary for quality learning.
“In the past, students were admitted from different backgrounds across the country. This diversity enriched our experiences and built lasting relationships. Today, students are being admitted primarily from host communities, limiting their exposure and understanding of other cultures.”
“If a student completes primary school, secondary school, and university education all within the same community, their worldview remains limited. If such a person later becomes a Minister or holds a leadership position, their perspective will be narrow. They won’t appreciate the diversity of our nation.”
He urged the government to restore universities to their rightful standard by increasing funding, ensuring discipline, and implementing fair and transparent recruitment procedures.
SSANU praised the management of Federal University, Otuoke, for prioritising staff welfare and ensuring career progression for both academic and non-academic personnel.
“Mr. Vice Chancellor, we congratulate you for supporting our union and, by extension, other unions. We have been informed that staff development in your institution is excellent, allowing employees to advance in their careers.”
“A level playing field for workers to excel is crucial. We are also pleased that the branch chairman is a member of the university’s Governing Council, ensuring that non-teaching staff are not sidelined. This is a commendable practice, and we are seeing similar developments in other universities. SSANU is growing, and we will continue to grow, Inshallah.”
The SSANU President also criticised the deplorable state of Nigerian roads, comparing them unfavourably to those in other African nations.
“Nigeria has some of the worst roads. Roads in Rwanda are better. Even those in South Sudan are in better condition than what we have here.”
“Our roads are in terrible shape, and the government must wake up to its responsibility.”
POPULAR TODAY
Discussion about this post