The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has criticized the Student Loan Scheme proposed by the federal government, stating that its implementation and sustainability are not viable.
The union, represented by the Ebonyi State University (EBSU) chapter, has called for a renegotiation of its demands, which include improved funding for revitalization, university autonomy, and academic freedom across Nigerian universities.
Dr. Ikechuku Igwenyi, the Chairman of EBSU-ASUU chapter, highlighted the challenges facing the education system in Nigeria, particularly the underfunding of public primary and secondary schools.
He noted that this situation has led to the destruction of these schools and low self-esteem among teachers, who are among the poorest public servants in the country, with most earning less than $20 per month.
This has encouraged a massive drift of students from public schools to privately-owned primary and secondary schools, where people are exploited for "quality" education.
ASUU believes that the federal government's actions have led to the destruction of the basic education system and now threaten tertiary institutions.
The union has vowed to resist this anomaly and is seeking renegotiation, improved funding for revitalization, university autonomy, and academic freedom.
According to ASUU, the basic problems of the university education system have been exacerbated by various diversionary policies, such as non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances, imposition of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), threats to University Autonomy and the autonomy of the University Senate through the forceful introduction of CCMAS, obnoxious notional promotion clauses, threats to union leaders for public advocacy, and unregulated proliferation of state and private universities without adequate funding capacity.
