Nigerian Universities: ASUU Condemns Politicisation of Academic Staff Recruitment

• The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has criticised the politicisation of academic staff recruitment in Nigerian universities.
• Politicians are increasingly influencing the hiring process, often bringing in unqualified candidates.
• The development is undermining the quality of tertiary education and creating serious gaps in the university system.
• ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, warned that due process must be followed to maintain standards.

The politicisation of academic staff recruitment is not only undermining the quality of education but also putting universities at risk of non-compliance with due process and fair hiring practices.

The politicisation of academic staff recruitment in Nigerian universities has reached alarming levels, with politicians increasingly influencing the hiring process. This development is undermining the quality of tertiary education and creating serious gaps in the university system. According to Prof. Timothy Namo, ASUU Zonal Coordinator for the Bauchi Zone, the long period without recruitment has exacerbated the situation. The governing councils are expected to recruit staff based on established criteria, but politicians are now dictating who gets hired, often bringing in unqualified candidates.

The politicisation of academic staff recruitment is not only undermining the quality of education but also putting universities at risk of non-compliance with due process and fair hiring practices. ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, warned that the situation is dangerous to the effectiveness of the university system. He stressed that due process must be followed to maintain standards, but instead, senior non-academic staff are being moved to academic positions without requisite training and qualifications. This raises concerns about the implications of political interference in academic staff recruitment.

The lack of interaction between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and university lecturers is another pressing concern. ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, expressed dismay that the union has not had an interface with the president for three years. This lack of engagement is seen as a shameful neglect by the government towards the body of intellectuals. Piwuna urged the federal, state, and local governments to redirect their socio-economic policies towards addressing citizens' needs and prioritising public welfare.

This development may expose universities to compliance risks, particularly with regards to due process and fair hiring practices. Lawyers should advise clients on the implications of political interference in academic staff recruitment and ensure that their institutions are following established criteria for staffing.

Source: Original reporting via Daily Trust