...As MOUAU Governing Council Chair, VC, and ASUU Leaders Honour Ex-President

The immediate past National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, has declared that but for the resilience and sacrifices of the union, Nigeria\'s public university system would have completely collapsed under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari and his Labour Minister, Senator Chris Ngige.

Prof. Osodeke, who disclosed this during a grand reception held in his honour at the ASUU Secretariat of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State, said the union fought numerous battles during his tenure to preserve the soul of public university education in the country.

 “Our struggles kept our public universities from collapsing like other national institutions such as the Nigerian Airways and refineries,” he said.

“Ngige’s rough relationship with ASUU created confusion that nearly crippled the education sector. If not for the firmness of ASUU members, the system would have failed.”

Osodeke also highlighted the union’s achievement in pushing for the removal of universities from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), a move that now enables many professors to retire with their full benefits.

He decried the poor welfare conditions of lecturers and attributed the mass exodus of academics—commonly referred to as brain drain—to better working conditions abroad. He urged all levels of government to invest significantly in public universities, which, he said, still account for 95% of the student population in Nigeria and offer education that rivals that of private institutions.

Speaking at the event, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the MOUAU Governing Council, Comrade Fidelis Edeh, called on ASUU to transition from resistance to responsibility by actively engaging in national development.

 “It is time to move from struggle to strategy,” Edeh declared. “ASUU must now take ownership of this country—not by standing aside, but by fully participating in governance and policy-making. We must create an inclusive university environment rooted in transparency, integrity, and accountability.”

Edeh criticized the union\'s non-participation in the drafting of the 1999 Constitution, describing it as a missed opportunity with long-lasting consequences. He called on academics to no longer sit on the sidelines but to contribute their expertise toward shaping national policies.

The Vice Chancellor of MOUAU, Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, represented by Professor Nneoma Obasi, lauded Osodeke’s tenure as ASUU President, describing his leadership as “legendary.” He pledged the university’s commitment to maintaining a harmonious relationship with ASUU and fostering a productive academic environment.

The current National President of ASUU, Professor Chris Piwuna, also spoke at the occasion, vowing to sustain the union’s fight for university autonomy, improved welfare, and quality education. He reaffirmed that while strike actions remain a global tool for labour negotiations, the union hopes dialogue will prevail.

 “Strike is not unique to Nigeria. It’s a global instrument for change. While we do not desire industrial actions, we won’t hesitate to use every legal means to achieve our objectives,” Piwuna said.

ASUU MOUAU Chairman, Professor Chike Ugwuene, lauded Osodeke’s tireless efforts and described his leadership as impactful, particularly in fostering harmony between the union and university management.

The event attracted ASUU members from across the country and served not only as a celebration of Osodeke’s leadership but also as a rallying call for continued advocacy in defense of Nigeria’s public university system.