By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised concerns over the high level of institutional weaknesses, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and endemic grand corruption in Nigeria, which it claims continue to undermine governance at all levels.

The union expressed its concerns during the 23rd National Delegates Conference of ASUU held at the University of Benin main campus in Ugbowo, Benin City, where a new leadership for the union is expected to emerge.

The National President of ASUU, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, lamented the lack of inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability in governance. He also highlighted worsening existential conditions resulting from the government’s adoption of neoliberal economic policies, which he claimed are breeding apathy, cynicism, self-help, criminality, and mass migration (japa) among the youth.

Osodeke stated that despite Nigeria’s vast oil reserves, agricultural potential, and energetic youth population, the nation still battles high unemployment, inflation, a depreciating currency, and rising poverty rates.

“With its vast oil reserves, agricultural potentials, and energetic young population, the country should be a leader in global development. Instead, it wrestles with high unemployment, inflation, a depreciating currency, and rising poverty rates,” Osodeke remarked.

He criticized the government’s policies for stifling the informal economy, which sustains millions but receives little attention in national policy. When policies are made, they tend to hinder growth and discourage patriotic operators in informal sectors who are struggling to survive amid multiple taxes, energy costs, and communication charges.

Osodeke acknowledged that attempts at economic diversification, particularly in technology and agriculture, show promise. However, he noted that these initiatives require bold, long-term commitment and substantial infrastructure development.

He questioned the sincerity of government reforms, describing the ongoing brain drain—with professionals and young graduates seeking better opportunities abroad—as an indictment of the state of national affairs and evidence of ill-informed and inappropriate reform policies.

“The massive brain drain, as professionals and young graduates seek better opportunities abroad, is a direct indictment of the state of national affairs and the unmitigated failure of the ill-informed and inappropriate reforms,” he added.

The ASUU President also expressed concern over worsening insecurity across the country. He highlighted various security challenges, including:

Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East

Banditry in the North-West

Kidnapping in the South

Secessionist agitations in the South-East

Jungle justice incidents across regions

He emphasized that no region in Nigeria is immune to these crises, calling for urgent and effective interventions.

Also speaking at the event, Professor Atahiru Jega, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and former President of ASUU, stressed that education is a critical institution for nation-building.

“The struggles to improve education, expand educational opportunities, provide quality education, and protect the interest of workers in academic institutions are fundamentally struggles for nation-building,” Jega asserted.

He urged the Federal Government to prioritize education reforms and address the root causes of corruption and inefficiencies that have stifled progress.