In a fiery address at its 23rd National Delegates Conference held at the University of Benin, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) delivered a scathing critique of Nigeria’s leadership, warning that entrenched corruption, failed economic policies, and deepening insecurity are dragging the nation to the edge.
ASUU National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, accused the government of bureaucratic incompetence and lack of transparency, blaming neoliberal policies for breeding mass apathy, rising criminality, and the worsening “japa” brain drain crisis.
“With all our oil, agriculture, and youth power, we should be a global leader. Instead, we’re drowning in poverty, joblessness, and a crashing naira,” he said.
Prof. Osodeke also condemned the government’s neglect of the informal economy, criticizing punitive taxes and high costs of doing business that are crushing millions of struggling Nigerians.
He warned that even promising sectors like technology and agriculture risk collapse without bold, long-term infrastructure investment and credible reform.
Key Accusations:
- Government reforms are ill-informed and ineffective
- Nigeria’s brain drain is a “direct indictment” of national misgovernance
- Security breakdown nationwide: Boko Haram, bandits, kidnappers, and secessionists unchecked
- Institutional failures causing youth to abandon faith in the country
Prof. Atahiru Jega, former INEC Chair and past ASUU President, also called for urgent education reforms, warning that failing universities spell doom for nation-building.
“The fight for quality education is not just unionism — it’s a fight to save Nigeria,” Jega declared.
