The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has voiced concerns over the increasing number of first-class graduates produced by private universities in Nigeria.

The union has described the trend as “worrisome” and questioned its implications for academic integrity and educational standards.

During an event honoring Prof. Andy Egwunyenga’s tenure as Vice Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU), ASUU National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, criticized the rapid rise in first-class graduates from private universities. He warned that if public universities were to adopt similar trends without proper regulatory oversight, the credibility of academic achievements could be compromised.

Prof. Osodeke also linked the issue to systemic failures in Nigeria’s educational sector, particularly at the foundational levels. He highlighted that many students entering universities with stellar grades from primary and secondary schools often lacked sufficient knowledge, signaling deeper challenges in Nigeria’s education system.

The ASUU President also addressed broader systemic issues, including the mass migration of skilled Nigerian professionals to other countries offering better work conditions. Prof. Osodeke argued that this brain drain reflects a decline in institutional standards and contributes to societal problems, such as recurring building collapses, which he attributed to poorly trained professionals.

Calling for renewed efforts, Osodeke emphasized the need for improved welfare for academic staff and a revitalized fight against systemic injustices in Nigeria’s education system.

“The struggle for academics to enjoy a decent standard of living saw some measure of success in the past when academics could sustain a comfortable life.

“The situation has changed; the unions must return to the frontline for a renewed phase of their struggle.

“ASUU will consistently speak out against injustices and support fairness,” he said.

Critique of the CCMAS Curriculum

Adding to ASUU’s critique, Prof. Omotoye Olorode condemned the recently introduced Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), describing it as a neo-imperialist tool designed to perpetuate Africa’s dependency on developed nations.

“This curriculum disrupts Nigeria’s established academic framework and ensures Africans remain agricultural laborers to support the needs of developed countries,” Olorode stated.

He also criticized Nigeria’s inadequate funding for education, citing UNESCO’s recommendation of 26% of the national budget for education, whereas Nigeria has never surpassed 7%.

Spotlight on Private Universities

ASUU’s concerns gained traction following recent convocation ceremonies where private universities announced significant numbers of first-class graduates.

• For instance: Salem University, Lokoja, graduated 499 students, with 41 earning first-class honours across seven colleges.
• Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, conferred degrees on 2,679 students, with 86 achieving first-class honors.
• Benson Idahosa University, Benin, celebrated its 20th convocation, awarding 77 first-class degrees out of 1,029 graduates, the highest in its history.

These numbers underline the growing trend of private universities producing more first-class graduates, a development ASUU views as potentially undermining academic standards. However, this has sparked a heated debate among Nigerians, with many criticizing ASUU’s stance.

Public Reactions

Responding to the concern, critics have accused ASUU of deflecting from issues within public universities. Many Nigerians argue that private universities are better structured, with well-paid lecturers and healthier student-teacher relationships, enabling students to excel without undue hindrance.

A commentator, Samuel Biyi, dismissed ASUU’s concerns, stating, “The private unis they’re complaining about have a first-class graduation rate of 3-10%. It should actually be 10-25%, so they’re still not producing enough. Poor public school students are set up to fail.”

Another Nigerian, Adewale, added, “Sadists are unhappy that they can no longer mess with the lives of every Nigerian student. Private university lecturers are better paid and have better relationships with their students, unlike angry folks in public universities.”

ASUU’s remarks bring to light the deep-seated issues plaguing Nigeria’s education sector, including discrepancies in standards and outcomes between public and private institutions. While the rise in first-class graduates from private universities reflects their emphasis on academic success, it also raises questions about the challenges facing public universities, including poor funding, inadequate infrastructure, and lecturer-student dynamics.