The decision made by the federal government to dissolve the governing councils in universities across the nation has raised significant concerns within the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The union described the action as alarming and apprehensive, given its potential impact on the effective functioning of universities across the country.
ASUU has conveyed its unease and discontent regarding this decision, appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider what they perceive as a detrimental course of action.
Comrade Christopher Piwuna, who serves as the National Vice Chairman of ASUU and holds a faculty position at the University of Jos, made expressed the sentiments during his presentation at a special event honoring retiring educators held at the Joseph Sarwuaan Tarka University Makurdi (JOSTUM) in Benue State.
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Daily Trust reports that Piwuna condemned the dissolution of the governing councils and transferring their authority to external entities such as the Federal Ministry of Education or the National Universities Commission (NUC) without proper adherence to established protocols.
He described the move as a misguided maneuver, arguing that the the risks associated with creating a leadership vacuum within the university setting has adverse consequences.
He said there is a legitimate concern that “unscrupulous vice chancellors” and ministry officials might join forces to undermine the integrity of the universities if such a blatant disregard for institutional laws goes unchecked.
ASUU called on the federal government to immediately reverse the decision allow the councils complete their designated tenures.
Piwuna emphasized the critical role that proper governance and oversight play in maintaining the well-being and reputation of these academic institutions
