The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised concerns over the politicisation of academic staff recruitment in Nigerian universities, warning that the practice is threatening the quality of tertiary education.
The union also criticised the conversion of non-academic staff to academic positions without the required qualifications, training and due process.
Speaking at a press conference at the University of Jos, ASUU Zonal Coordinator for the Bauchi Zone, Prof. Timothy Namo, said the prolonged delay in staff recruitment had created serious manpower shortages in the university system.
Namo alleged that politicians, including senators, members of state Houses of Assembly and other influential individuals, were interfering in the recruitment process by presenting lists of candidates who were often not qualified for academic positions.
ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, described the situation as dangerous to the standard of university education, stressing that recruitment and promotion must be based on established academic criteria.
READ ALSO: Katsina Gov Radda Celebrates IBB at 85, Praises His Historic Legacy
Piwuna also expressed concern over the lack of direct engagement between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and university lecturers, saying the union had not had an interface with the President for about three years.
He urged the federal, state and local governments to prioritise public welfare and formulate socio-economic policies that address the needs of Nigerians.
