The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised concerns about what the union sees as growing influence of foreign powers, secretly or otherwise, in the political and socio economic decisions of Nigeria.
The Union said there’s urgent need for that to change, stressing that the present foreign-controlled governance system serves only the interests of a few predators, primitive accumulators and foreign organisations.
Speaking at the 2024 edition of ASUU’s State of the Nation Conference, held in Abuja, on Thursday (today, October 3), with the theme, ‘Nigeria in a State of General Crisis: The Search for a New Path to Development,’ and described as part of ASUU’s “patriotic contribution to recovering Nigeria, and the need to address the current hopeless state of the country,” ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke said, “I believe that with the selected speakers and participants, we can generate outcomes that will rescue Nigeria from the stronghold of foreign intruders and imperialist exploiters.”
He recalled that the first State of the Nation Conference was held in April, 1984, at the University of Benin, with the theme: “The State of the Nigerian Economy.
“If the government had implemented the resolutions from the 1984 conference, we would not be in this predicament today. I hope the Nigerian government will act on the outcomes of the current National Conference to address the state of our country, allowing Nigerians to benefit from the natural resources bestowed upon us by God.
“Nigeria is too rich for its citizens to languish in extreme poverty. Our common patrimony must be used for the common good. To this end, Nigerians must be rescued from all exploiters and oppressors, whether they are citizens or foreigners.”
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, in his remarks, urged the Union to explore alternative means of resolving industrial disputes within the university system, asking them to shelve plans for another strike once the 14-day ultimatum issued to the government elapses.
He commended the Union for its commitment to advancing national development, noting its instrumental role in shaping Nigeria’s educational landscape and advocating policies that promote academic excellence and social equity.
“Through relentless campaigns for improved funding for universities, better working conditions for academic staff, and enhanced welfare for students, ASUU has not only championed educators’ causes but has also laid the foundation for sustainable national development,” the Speaker said.
