The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at present is witnessing a series of mass resignations of its members across campuses in the federation.
According to a report by the Punch newspaper, some of these lecturers have resorted into taken another job and going into farming, while others have resorted to traveling overseas to seek greener pastures.
Confirming this development, the chairman of ASUU, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke told the newspaper on Sunday, August 21 that it was true that some lecturers have now quit their jobs in various
He said:
“So many lecturers are leaving to engage in farming and others; lecturers are tired of the treatment they’re receiving from the government and because of this, they are looking for alternatives. So many more will leave even after the strike too.
‘’I pity the country; Nigeria will be the loser for it. Instead of coming to the table; look at how they will solve the issue, rather, they believe in punishing lecturers. It’s so sad. Your lecturers went on strike, you believe they will become hungry and come back to beg. Many lecturers will also leave to venture into other areas; some are also looking at becoming self-employed.”
- University of Lagos
Also confirming this development, the association’s chapter at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) revealed that 70 percent of their best lecturers have resigned from their jobs.
The chairman of ASUU in UNILAG, Dr. Dele Ashiru during an interview on Arise Television stated that the government’s attitude towards academic scholars is disrespectful and insensitive.
He said:
“The impact of the government’s insensitivity and deployment of the weapon of hunger might not be immediately known until after the strike. As I speak with you, more than 70 percent of bright and promising young academics retained by the university through mentorship have all left the country for greener pastures due to the poor conditions of service in Nigeria.
‘’Those that are left are on the verge of leaving. No government in the history of Nigeria has been so insensitive, brash and disrespectful of the best brains in the country. This is unfortunate and a shame,’’ the don lamented.”
- University of Uyo Elsewhere in the south-south region of Nigeria, a series of lecturers have resigned their position at the University of Uyo in Akwa Ibom.
Confirming these resignations, the ASUU chairperson in the Uyo chapter, Dr. Happiness Uduk said the stories are true.
All though she could not vividly state the numbers of lecturers who have tendered resignation, she vehemently stated that lecturers are leaving the institution.
She said:
“I cannot tell you how many there are because I am not sure about it. But I don’t think what is happening in other universities is different from ours. It is true that people are getting opportunities and leaving the system; we have heard about people who have left already.”
- Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
Down west of Nigeria, lecturers at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife have also begun to resign and relocate abroad for greener pastures.
The ASUU chairman OAU chapter, Dr Adeola Egbedokun confirmed the development but could not also give an accurate number of lecturers that have called it a quit in the institution,
He, however, urged those who also intend to move to move on stating that their exit is justified and that they cannot be blamed for it.
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
Also, at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta-Ogun state, lecturers have begun to call it a quit due to the ongoing ASUU strike.
The ASUU chairman at the university, Dr. Gbenga Adeleye confirmed the incident but could not determine the number of lecturers who have exited the university.
