The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of public universities and other critical infrastructure in the country, lamenting that many institutions now resemble local government headquarters rather than citadels of learning.
SSANU’s National President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, voiced these concerns while addressing journalists after the association’s 50th Regular National Executive Council meeting at the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State.
He criticized the government’s handling of university education, stating that funding had reached an all-time low, affecting both capital and personnel costs.
According to him, the lack of proper financing is crippling essential university functions such as teaching, research, and community service.
“The government is clearly not prioritizing education, particularly at the university level,” Ibrahim stated. “Universities are meant to be global institutions attracting talent from around the world. However, due to poor funding, Nigerian universities struggle to meet even basic operational needs.”
He also condemned the current process of appointing Vice Chancellors, describing it as politicized and akin to a “constituency project” rather than a merit-based selection.
Beyond education, the SSANU President criticized the deplorable state of Nigerian roads, arguing that infrastructure in countries like Rwanda and South Sudan is now better than in Nigeria.
“Our roads are in terrible condition, worse than those in Rwanda and even South Sudan. The government must wake up to its responsibilities,” he said.
SSANU called on the federal government to take immediate action to revamp the education sector and improve national infrastructure to prevent further decline.
