. Faults proliferation of universities
By Tochukwu Bliss, Abuja
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has condemned the federal government’s proposed Student Education Loan, saying it will plunge the students into perpetual debt.
Addressing a press conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Monday, the Calabar Zone of ASUU, insisted that there are no benefits derivable from the loan, describing it as “strangulating” and drag beneficiaries into slavery, depression and possible suicide.
This is even as the Association described the proliferation of universities in Nigeria as worrisome.
The Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Dr. Happiness Uduk, along with all the Chapter Chairmen of the Zone, said it is disheartening that leaders who attended schools on scholarship, enjoyed meal subsidies, and bursary awards, are now the ones making some of the obnoxious education policies.
In a statement jointly signed by the eight union Chairpersons ASUU said: “It is disheartening that people who attended schools on scholarship, enjoyed meal subsidies, free laundry services and bursary awards are the same ruining our economy today.
“Their Children are on scholarship in the best foreign universities in the world but after siphoning our economy, they turn around to impose a strangulating Education Loan on taxpayers’ children that they will be enslaved and remain indebted to the country forever.
“They do not mind the devastating effect of this scheme on the country such as depression, suicide, and colossal loss of intellectuals.”
The Association urged the federal government to instead use the funds set aside for the loans for interventions in higher institutions to enable them to become self-reliant.
“Instead of loans, let the money be put into intervention projects in tertiary institutions,” it said.
It is disheartening that people who attended schools on scholarship, enjoyed meal subsidies, free laundry services and bursary awards are the same ruining our economy today.
Proliferation of universities
Ms Uduk, who spoke on behalf of her colleagues, argued that: “The proliferation of universities across the country is not in the best interest of the education sector. The existing ones should be adequately funded.
“It is better to strengthen the existing universities than to put more stress on the funding system.”
Rather than establishing more universities, she advised governments at all levels and other stakeholders to ensure adequate funding for the existing ones.
According to the Coordinator, Nigeria needs universities with the requisite equipment and facilities to enhance learning.
“We do not need glorified secondary schools; efforts should be made to position our universities for optimal performance,” she said.
Meanwhile, ASUU has reiterated it call for the reinstatement of the suspended academic union leaders at Ebonyi State University, despite the National Industrial Court’s judgement in their favour.
ASUU also urged the Abia State Government to pay arrears of 11 months’ salaries and other allowances owed to union members.
Additionally, the association expressed concern over the high cost of living in Nigeria, saying: “Many Nigerians are hungry and facing severe hardship,” and called on the federal government to take steps towards reducing the poverty level among the people.
