UNILORIN ASUU: Professors Now Struggle to Board Buses Meant for Students
Professors at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) are reportedly facing increasing financial hardship, to the extent that some are now struggling to board buses meant for students. This latest development underscores the ongoing challenges within Nigeria’s university system, particularly regarding faculty welfare, university funding, and staff compensation.
Background of the Situation
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UNILORIN chapter, highlighted the situation during a campus rally. Members carried placards demanding the federal government honor agreements with ASUU, increase budgetary allocations to education, and ensure proper working conditions for university staff. The protest drew attention to the daily hardships faced by lecturers and the urgent need for intervention.
Key Issues Raised by ASUU
According to the union, several factors have contributed to the worsening conditions for UNILORIN professors:
- Salary Stagnation: Lecturers have reportedly endured over 16 years of stagnant wages, limiting their ability to afford basic amenities.
- Withheld Salaries: ASUU members are owed approximately ten months’ salaries, with three and a half months still held back by the federal government.
- Unpaid Allowances: Arrears include a 25–35% wage award, unpaid promotion increments over four years, and unremitted third-party deductions such as pension and cooperative dues.
- Underfunding of Education: Only 7% of Nigeria’s 2025 budget was allocated to education, far below UNESCO’s recommendation of 15–26%.
- University Autonomy: ASUU criticized the dissolution of governing councils and imposition of acting vice-chancellors, highlighting the erosion of university independence.
Union's Call to Action
ASUU urged the federal government to fulfill past agreements, including the 2009 ASUU-FGN pact, and implement the recommendations of the Yayale Ahmed report. The union also demanded sustainable funding, settlement of all withheld salaries and allowances, and the restoration of university autonomy. They warned that failure to act would worsen staff morale and disrupt academic activities further.
Impact on Students and Academic Environment
The ongoing financial strain on lecturers has also affected students. Professors struggling to access transport and other facilities can disrupt lectures, research, and mentorship. This highlights the broader systemic issues in Nigerian higher education, where inadequate funding directly affects both staff welfare and student learning outcomes.
