The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Ebonyi State University has criticized the federal government’s Student Loan Scheme, questioning its feasibility and sustainability.
The union is advocating for better funding to revitalize universities, along with ensuring university autonomy and academic freedom nationwide.
During a press briefing in Abakaliki, the state capital, Dr. Ikechuku Igwenyi, the Chairman of the EBSU-ASUU chapter, expressed concerns about the current state of education in Nigeria.
He highlighted the chronic underfunding and neglect by successive governments that have adversely affected the education sector.
Dr. Igwenyi emphasized, “As you all are aware, the education system in Nigeria has been bedevilled by underfunding and successive governments. Consequently, public primary and secondary schools have been destroyed, and their teachers have very low self-esteem as the poorest of public servants in Nigeria, with most of them earning less than $20 per month.”
He further pointed out that the deplorable state of public schools has driven many students to private schools, where education is often costly. This shift indicates a decline in the quality and accessibility of education in public institutions. Dr. Igwenyi warned that if the current trend continues, tertiary institutions might face a similar fate.
ASUU is determined to prevent this deterioration and is demanding renegotiation and improved funding for revitalizing universities. The union also seeks to protect university autonomy and academic freedom, which are threatened by various government policies.
Dr. Igwenyi listed several issues plaguing the university education system, including the non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances, the imposition of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), threats to university autonomy, and the forced introduction of the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS). Other concerns include arbitrary promotions, threats to union leaders, and the unregulated establishment of state and private universities without adequate funding.
In light of these challenges, the union criticized the Student Loan Scheme as another misguided policy. ASUU believes that addressing the fundamental issues of underfunding and policy missteps is crucial for the improvement of Nigeria’s education system.
