ASUU Warns Poor Governance, Financial Lapses Undermine Nigerian Universities
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) raises alarm over persistent governance failures and financial mismanagement across Nigeria’s university system.
ASUU President Prof Chris Pinuwa speaks on Wednesday during the presentation of the 2025 renegotiated agreement with the Federal Government, warning that weak accountability structures are eroding academic standards.
“Despite existing regulations, ineffective governance continues to undermine institutional stability,” Pinuwa says.
He criticises frequent political interference, including the dissolution of governing councils and manipulation of vice-chancellor appointments, describing them as threats to merit-based leadership.
“These actions breed crises, court cases and divisions that disrupt academic activities,” he warns.
Pinuwa also expresses concern over universities being run by acting vice-chancellors for prolonged periods, calling for stricter oversight to protect institutional credibility.
On research funding, he stresses that underinvestment has weakened Nigeria’s global academic competitiveness. He confirms that research funding forms a core part of the 2025 agreement.
According to Pinuwa, a proposed National Research Council Bill, expected to be sent to the National Assembly, will allocate at least one per cent of GDP to research and innovation.
He urges lawmakers to act swiftly and cautions newly upgraded universities of education against lowering promotion standards.
“University status must not come at the cost of academic integrity,” he says.
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