Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, Chairman of the Congress of Universities Academics, a body that broke away from the Academic Staff of Union of Universities said in one year of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he would only grade the government’s performance “below average.” He gives his reasons in this interview with HALIMAH OLAMIDE
What is your assessment of President Tinubu’s one year in office as far as universities are concerned?
The declaration of “fuel subsidy is gone” in his inauguration speech of 29 May 2023 and the subsequent floating of Naira, without immediate policies to cushion the effects, have brought untold hardship on Nigerians.
The union therefore gives a *below average* performance to the current administration on two counts: (a) Policies: After about two postponements and amendment to the loan bill, the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) eventually took off on Friday 24 May 2024. It is the Union’s hope that this endeavour, which is aimed at injecting more fund into the universities and also providing university education for everyone, among others, will have a life of its own and succeed.
Our expectation also is that the FG would have learnt lessons from previous attempts at providing education loan in this country and bring them to bare, this time around.
CONUA, however, is yet to see obvious attempt at reviewing Education Curriculum “to suit the emerging global best practices and current socio-economic realities.” In addition, one wonders how long it will take the president to conclude the matter of Governing Council to the Universities? It’s dissolution ran against the University Autonomy Act, ab initio.
(b) Welfare:The FG under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu has eventually implemented the 25%|35% wage award to members of staff in the universities. This is commendable. However, the arrears (12 calendar months) of this payment are still outstanding, even in the face of untoward economic hardship occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal. There are many outstanding issues such as non-payment of promotion arrears and earned academic allowance; not opening the negotiation table for improved salary, improved welfare packages and other related matters for academics; etc
Which of the campaign promises of the President struck you most when he was asking for votes?
Uninterrupted academic calendar. This aligns perfectly with the stand of CONUA. Strike action has done more harm than good to the Nigerian ivory towers.
Do you feel he has given enough signs he is faithful to his campaign promises?
Nope. He needs to do more. The education sector has been “neglected” for too long. Currently, our universities are not doing what they should be doing: providing leadership and expertise in all facets of governance.
With the present state of Nigerian universities, do you feel Tinubu is capable of making any meaningful impacts?
Yes. He needs to be determined, methodical and be focused.
What is your advice to the President as far as education is concerned
(a). Proactivity! CONUA expects the president to be proactive in addressing issues concerning the universities because no nation can develop beyond its ivory towers. Our expectation is also that the president will prioritize constant and consistent engagement with stakeholders in order to apprehend problems ahead of time. Since the beginning of this administration, CONUA and other unions in the universities have not been invited to engagements that will facilitate peace and improved welfare of members of staff.
(b). Priority: Without mincing words, the president should make education the topmost priority in action, not in words.
(c). Cohesion: The president should ensure that his Ministers of Education and CEOs of agencies under the ministry of education do not discriminate against any legal entity in the education sector. This will cause disharmony and ground the system. CONUA is currently being discriminated against by the TETFUND. We are using this medium to call on the Executive Secretary of the TETFUND, Arc. Sonny S.T. Echono to desist from this act.