Improve Varsity Funding to End Strikes, TASUED VC Charges FG
Outgoing Vice-Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Professor Oluwole Banjo, has urged the Federal Government to address the persistent industrial actions in public universities by prioritising adequate funding for tertiary education across the country.
Speaking during a media parley marking the end of his five-year tenure, Banjo said the government could end the cycle of strikes if it sincerely engaged the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and implemented sustainable funding policies.
He explained that ASUU’s agitations were not driven by selfish interests but by a desire to safeguard students’ welfare, uphold academic standards, and enhance the nation’s education system.
According to him, governments at all levels must regard the union as partners in progress rather than adversaries, stressing that both parties share responsibility for protecting Nigeria’s educational future.
Banjo faulted what he described as misplaced priorities in government spending, noting that academic excellence rarely receives the recognition it deserves.
He cited as an example the Federal Government’s decision to award $100,000 to each of the 24 Super Falcons players following their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations victory in July.
He said, “It is only in Nigeria that you will see a first-class student graduating with 10 to 15 awards in medicine and being given N10,000. That is quite unfair.”
Banjo maintained that ASUU’s demands were legitimate, urging the government to engage the union constructively to ensure a stable academic calendar.
“If the government treats ASUU well, ASUU will not go on strike. What ASUU is fighting for is not selfish, because I am part of it. They are fighting for a conducive environment for teaching and learning.
“In some universities, you have about 1,000 or 2,000 students in a small lecture theatre without a public address system, without electricity. How would those students learn properly?” he asked.
Reflecting on his administration’s achievements, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor said TASUED maintained 100 per cent accreditation for all its programmes while prioritising staff welfare and infrastructural development. He added that salaries and allowances were paid promptly throughout his tenure.
Among projects completed under his leadership, Banjo listed new lecture halls, laboratories, offices, student support centres, and an independent power plant recently commissioned by Governor Dapo Abiodun.
He thanked both the federal and state governments, alongside the university community, for their support and cooperation during his administration.
“I do not have any regrets because I ran the university through consultation. Before I take any decision, it is collectively agreed,” he said.
Unfiltered Reporting had earlier reported that ASUU had recently embarked on a two-week warning strike over the Federal Government’s alleged failure to honour existing agreements.
The union suspended the action last Wednesday following interventions by well-meaning Nigerians and renewed dialogue with government representatives.
