ASUU Strike and the Global Crisis in Academia

The diminishing salaries for academics represent a worldwide crisis, with particularly severe implications in developing countries such as Nigeria. In nations from Ghana to India, it seems that the government favors other industries over education, which results in the neglect of academia and its members. This trend carries significant repercussions for national development. For instance, Ghana’s state universities have been frequently disrupted by strikes from lecturers demanding improved pay and working conditions. The scenario is similar in India, where educators at prestigious universities earn vastly less than their peers in the private sector or public administration.

The battle fought by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is fundamentally a battle for the integrity of Nigerian education. The transition from a time when a professor’s earnings were comparable to those of a permanent secretary to the current situation, where they are significantly lower than those of politicians, highlights a troubling shift in Nigeria’s values. The nation, once proud of its intellectual elite, now seems to prioritize political patronage over scholarly achievement.

The salary of a senator, who only holds a secondary school certificate, surpassing that of a professor, is not merely an economic concern; it poses a moral dilemma. It sends a message to the youth that a career in politics is more lucrative and esteemed than one in academia. ASUU’s request for a salary structure that acknowledges their position and societal importance transcends monetary concerns; it speaks to the respect due to the teaching profession.

The union’s appeal represents an effort to rectify the current situation. ASUU’s demand for enhanced funding for universities underscores the need to value intellectual labor as pivotal to national advancement. The resolution lies not in providing insufficient loans or temporary solutions, but in fundamentally reshaping Nigeria’s appreciation of its human resources. The government must recognize that investing in education is not an expenditure; it is a crucial investment in the nation’s future. The compensation of academics should be aligned with that of professionals in similar fields, such as high-ranking civil servants and other specialists.

Academic salaries should be supplemented by rewards that acknowledge the nature of their work, including research grants, housing grants, and access to state-of-the-art facilities. Universities require adequate financial support to engage in advanced research and contribute to addressing national challenges.

Germany’s government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, exemplifies the recognition of the importance of intellectual resources. The nation has made significant investments in research institutions and universities to ensure it remains a leader in technology and innovation. Despite being a developed country, Germany adheres to the principle that a nation’s future is dependent on the quality of its academic institutions.

The solution to this longstanding crisis necessitates more than just temporary fixes. It demands a comprehensive evaluation of how the Nigerian government prioritizes and invests in education. The most immediate and impactful action is to align the salaries of professors with those of permanent secretaries. This stance is both logical and justifiable.

A professor acts as the head of a university department or faculty, essentially serving as the “permanent secretary” for intellectual and academic matters. They bear the responsibility of overseeing research, mentoring staff, and directing academic programs, tasks that are highly intricate and carry significant weight. By setting their salaries and benefits on par with those of permanent secretaries, the government would be reinstating a former balance that was maintained during the earlier decades and recognizing the equivalent status of their positions.

In the end, the issue of pay is indicative of a larger problem: the persistent underfunding of education. Nigeria’s annual allocation for education consistently falls short of the UNESCO recommendation of 15-20% of the national budget. A sustainable solution entails a commitment to bridge this deficit. Increased funding would not only facilitate improved salaries but also enhance deteriorating university facilities, supply modern research tools, and lower the student-to-lecturer ratio. A well-supported system is one where pursuing academic excellence is an attainable and appealing career option, which would help halt the brain drain and provide Nigeria’s youth with viable opportunities.