FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, on Saturday expressed worry over the high wave of institutional weaknesses, bureaucratic inefficiencies and endemic corruption in the country, saying it had continued to undermine governance at all levels.
The union also lamented the lack of inclusiveness, transparency and accountability, as well as unaddressed and increasingly worsening existential conditions brought about by neoliberal economic policies which it it said had bred apathy, cynicism, self-help, criminality and exits (japa), especially among youths.
Its President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke made the remarks at the 23rd National Delegates Conference of the union held at the University of Benin main campus in Ugbowo, Benin City.
He said although there were flashes of reform-minded leaders and active civil society actors, the connection between government policies and the realities of the common Nigerian remain disturbingly problematic.
According to him, citizens feel increasingly alienated from the unfeeling, non-responsive, and exploitative political system.
Osodeke said Nigeria remained a paradox of abundance with monumental poverty in the mix of abundance.
“With its vast oil reserves, agricultural potentials, and energetic young population, the country should be a leader in global development. Instead, it wrestles with high unemployment, inflation, a depreciating currency, and rising poverty rates.
“While the informal economy keeps millions afloat, yet it largely receives little attention in national policy. When at all it did, these are policies that stiffened their growth and discourage these patriotic operators in the informal sectors who are struggling to escape and survive the suffocating neoliberal assaults with government imposition of multiple taxes and energy and communication charges,” the ASUU president said.
He noted that attempts at economic diversification, particularly in technology and agriculture, showed promises but required bold and long-term commitment and infrastructural development.
Osodeke bemoaned the ongoing massive brain-drain, as professionals and young graduates seek better opportunities abroad, noting that it was a direct indictment of the state of national affairs and the unmitigated failure of the ill-informed and inappropriate reform.
The ASUU president lamented the worsening insecurity in the country, saying from Boko Haram in the North-East to bandits in the North-West, kidnappers in the south and secessionist agitations in the South-East, as well as jungle justice across the country.
