The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised concerns over alleged fund mismanagement and weak governance structures in some Nigerian universities.
ASUU President, Prof. Chris Pinuwa, spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at the unveiling of the 2025 agreement between the Federal Government and the union, warning that poor governance was undermining accountability, institutional stability and academic standards.
He said that although university autonomy is recognised in law, its implementation remains weak, allowing persistent external interference in university administration. According to Pinuwa, the arbitrary dissolution of governing councils and interference in the appointment of vice-chancellors have become recurring issues that erode meritocracy.
He noted that such actions often lead to internal conflicts, litigation and staff polarisation, disrupting academic activities and effective management. Pinuwa also criticised the growing practice of prolonged acting vice-chancellorships, calling for stricter oversight of governing councils and principal officers.
On research funding, the ASUU president stressed that adequate investment was crucial to the global competitiveness of Nigerian universities. He disclosed that research and development funding formed a key component of the 2025 re-negotiated ASUU–FG agreement.
Pinuwa added that the proposed National Research Council Bill, which would allocate at least one per cent of GDP to research, innovation and development, would soon be forwarded to the National Assembly for consideration.
He also faulted promotion practices in some newly established federal universities of education, alleging that due process for professorial appointments was being compromised. Pinuwa warned that the conversion of colleges of education to universities must not erode established academic standards and urged vice-chancellors to urgently review questionable promotions.
