ASUU thumbs down FG’s plan to establish more tertiary institutions in Nigeria

UI ASUU chapter chairman, professor Ayo Akinwole berates the federal government on its plan to establish additional 47 Federal tertiary institutions across the federation.

He stated that the plan establishment is not in favour of the vast majority of Nigerians as most of the already existing institutions of government lack funding to operate optimally.

Ayo Akinwole made the statement while presenting cheques to six indigent but brilliant students of the University of Ibadan (UI), recipient of 2023 Indigent Students Scholarship Award by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ibadan chapter.

The Union has been giving yearly scholarships to brilliant but indigent students to ensure that they are supported to finish their education and contribute to national and international development.

The university don explains that the federal government is yet to pay University lectures salaries and allowances running into billions of naira yet is planning to increase the number of tertiary institutions in the country.

The Chairman, UI chapter of ASUU, Prof. Ayo Akinwole said the award has two categories (ASUU National Award and ASUU UI branch Award), adding that two out of the beneficiaries won N200,000 each for National category, while the remaining four got N100,000 each for the branch award.

According to him, the beneficiaries were chosen following approval by the evaluation committee of the union, which comprised ASUU members across faculties in the institution.

He stated that despite the challenges facing the union, the body in its own little way is contributing to the education of indigent students in the institution.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Busari Temitayo commended the gesture of the union, saying it would go a long way in relieving them of their financial burdens.