World Bank and IMF undermining Nigeria’s university system – ASUU President

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 -The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has alleged that the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) are playing a role in undermining Nigeria’s public education system. ASUU President Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke voiced the claim during ASUU’s Heroes Day 2024-2025 ceremony in Abuja, expressing frustration over the government’s ongoing delay in renegotiating the 2009 agreement, despite years of advocacy and signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Memoranda of Action (MoAs).

Prof. Osodeke highlighted additional issues, including the mandatory implementation of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), which he argued disrupts academic payroll structures. ASUU members have also faced withheld salaries for over three months, intensifying dissatisfaction within the union.

In a bid to support its members, ASUU announced the allocation of Ph.D. grants of N500,000 each to selected scholars who underwent a rigorous proposal review process. The grants are part of ASUU’s efforts to foster academic growth despite challenges.

Prof. Osodeke expressed solidarity with members at Kogi State University, Lagos State University, Ebonyi State University, and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, where lecturers reportedly face difficult conditions. He praised ASUU members nationwide for their resilience in advocating for Nigeria’s public university system amid growing pressure and setbacks.