A comprehensive analysis of ASUU’s criticism towards President Tinubu’s decision to dissolve the governing councils of federal universities in Nigeria.
A decision that, according to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), is harmful and a major stumbling block for the expansion and development of higher education in Nigeria.
A Profound Upset in Nigeria’s Education System
The announcement from the federal government to dissolve the Governing Councils of all federal universities nationwide was met with sharp criticism from the ASUU.
This move is perceived as harmful and a substantial setback to the progress and development of higher education in Nigeria.
Chris Yilgwan’s Standpoint
Chris Yilgwan, the ASUU Chairman at the University of Jos, expressed his concerns in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He made it clear that the decision is a hindrance to the progression of higher education.
The Shocking Revelation
According to NAN, the National Institutions Commission (NUC) announced the dissolution of the boards of all other government organizations and parastatals, as well as the governing councils of all federal institutions, on June 22.
The Controversial Presidential Directive
The directive from NUC was based on an order issued by President Bola Tinubu just three days prior.
The president demanded the dissolution of the boards of all parastatals, agencies, and enterprises under government jurisdiction.
The presidential directive, as analyzed by PREMIUM TIMES, affected educational institutions including universities, polytechnics, and even the NUC itself.
Yilgwan’s Alarm Over the Impending Crisis
Mr. Yilgwan, expressing his discontentment with the action, emphasized that continuation of this trend would lead to the demise of the university system.
Contradicting the Act
He argued that the dissolution of the councils contradicts the Act of creating federal universities and obstructs their growth.
The Contention with the Act of 2003
The recent NUC decision to dissolve the governing councils of federal universities contradicts the Miscellaneous Act of 2003.
The Act established a legislative tenure for university governing councils, making them immune from dissolution at any given time, unlike other boards.
The Impact on University Decision-Making
All significant decisions within a university are stalled when the governing council, being the highest decision-making body in every university, is disbanded with no immediate replacement.
ASUU’s Call to Action
As a result, ASUU perceives the dissolution as a hindrance to the university system’s progress and calls on the federal government to reverse its decision.
ASUU urges all tiers of government to allow the universities to operate in accordance with the law that founded them.
Conclusion
The recent decision by President Bola Tinubu to dissolve the governing councils of federal universities has stirred controversy and received sharp criticism from various quarters, particularly the ASUU.
The union views this move as detrimental to the progress of higher education in Nigeria.
They appeal to the federal government to reverse its decision, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the law that established these universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is ASUU’s stand on the dissolution of university governing councils?
ASUU is against the decision, asserting that it undermines the progress and development of higher education in Nigeria.
Who made the decision to dissolve the university governing councils?
President Bola Tinubu issued a directive leading to the dissolution of the boards of all parastatals, agencies, and businesses under government control, including the university governing councils.
Does the dissolution of the governing councils violate any laws?
Yes, according to ASUU, the decision contravenes the Miscellaneous Act of 2003, which provides a legislative tenure for university governing councils.
What impact does the dissolution of governing councils have on universities?
It halts all major decisions within the universities, causing potential setbacks in their operations and development.
What is ASUU’s recommendation regarding the situation?
ASUU urges the federal government to reverse the dissolution decision, allowing universities to operate according to the laws that established them.