The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has strongly criticized the Federal Government’s interference in the appointment of Vice-Chancellors, warning that the process is becoming politicized and detrimental to academic excellence.
Speaking at the 50th Regular National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, SSANU National President, Comrade Mohamed Haruna Ibrahim, decried the trend of making Vice-Chancellor appointments look like a “constituency project” rather than a merit-based selection process.
Beyond the issue of appointments, SSANU also raised concerns over the persistent underfunding of Nigerian universities.
“It is becoming evident that the government is not serious about higher education in this country. Universities are supposed to be centers of excellence, yet they are being left to struggle with inadequate funding,” Ibrahim stated.
He pointed out that the problem has worsened, affecting not just infrastructure but even basic operational expenses.
“In the past, the primary issue was capital funding. Now, even personnel costs are not properly covered. How can universities function without adequate funding? Teaching, research, and community service all require proper financial support,” he added.
According to Ibrahim, universities should be attracting top scholars from different parts of the world, but instead, they are increasingly resembling local government offices, with limited diversity and exposure.
The union also condemned the growing trend of restricting university appointments to individuals from host communities, arguing that such practices weaken the quality of education.
“A university should be a melting pot of ideas and cultures. But today, many institutions are limiting admissions and staff recruitment to their immediate environment. This is a dangerous trend that does not align with global best practices,” Ibrahim warned.
He emphasized the need for competitive recruitment processes that prioritize merit over political connections, adding that such an approach is necessary to maintain academic standards.
Despite the challenges, SSANU acknowledged the efforts of the Federal University, Otuoke, in prioritizing staff development.
“We commend the Vice-Chancellor and the management of FUO for creating an environment that allows staff to grow in their careers. We have also noted the inclusion of non-teaching staff in key university decisions, which is a step in the right direction,” Ibrahim remarked.
Shifting focus beyond education, the SSANU President took a swipe at the poor condition of Nigeria’s road network, describing it as one of the worst in Africa.
“The roads in Rwanda and even war-ravaged South Sudan are better than what we have in Nigeria. The government must wake up and take urgent action,”* he stated.
As SSANU continues to advocate for better funding, transparent recruitment processes, and improved working conditions, the union insists that the government must take higher education more seriously if Nigeria is to compete globally.
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