The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ibadan (UI), has reiterated its call on the Federal Government to fully implement all outstanding agreements with the union, covering both financial and non-financial commitments.
The Chairperson of ASUU-UI, Dr Adefemi Afolabi, made the call on Tuesday in Ibadan during an orientation programme organised for 500 newly employed academic staff of the institution.
The event also had in attendance other academic staff members who were yet to be fully acquainted with the union’s principles and university regulations.
Afolabi emphasised the need for greater university autonomy and improved access to research grants to enhance innovation, increase publication output and improve the global ranking of Nigerian universities.
According to him, Nigeria has the potential to rank several of its universities among the best in Africa if adequate support is provided.
He explained that the orientation programme was designed to familiarise participants with the ethics, responsibilities and expectations of academic staff, including teaching, research and community service.
The ASUU chairperson warned against misconduct such as examination malpractice and sexual harassment, stressing that the union would not protect erring members.
“Any member found culpable will face the union’s ethics committee, while the university authorities may also impose appropriate sanctions, including dismissal,” he said.
Afolabi noted that career progression for lecturers depends largely on quality research output and publications in reputable local and international journals, adding that the training would help new staff build strong academic careers.
He commended the Federal Government for recent improvements in allowances for university workers, describing it as a positive development after years of stagnant pay.
On staffing, Afolabi said the newly recruited lecturers were insufficient to address manpower shortages in the university system, citing retirements, deaths and migration of academics abroad as major factors creating vacancies.
He added that many Nigerian scholars in the diaspora were excelling globally, reflecting the quality of local academic training.
The ASUU-UI chairman urged the government to create a conducive environment to retain talent through better remuneration, modern teaching facilities and enhanced research support.
Also speaking, the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Ibadan Zone, Dr Biodun Olaniran, urged the new lecturers to embrace teaching, research and unionism as core aspects of the academic profession.
Olaniran described teaching as a “sacred duty,” urging lecturers to focus on developing students’ critical thinking abilities rather than merely preparing them for examinations.
He further encouraged research that addresses Nigeria’s developmental challenges, including healthcare, food security and energy.
According to him, active participation in union activities remains vital for protecting the welfare of academics and safeguarding the university system.
He assured the new staff of continued support and guidance from ASUU leadership in the zone.
The orientation programme also featured presentations by other ASUU leaders on ethics, welfare, functions and structure of the union.
