In the world of research, the Academic Staff Union of Universities play a huge role in sustaining research. The many professors, senior lecturers, and staff of universities that are involved in moulding students to become intellectuals in research and experienced academic gurus are all around because of the activities of ASUU. Of course, it is known that ASUU regulates the activities of higher institutions in Nigeria.

You cannot mention research without mentioning the lecturers, and you cannot mention lecturers without mentioning ASUU. We will be discussing the history of ASUU in this article. This article will shed more light on the origin of the organisation as well as open your eyes to the consistent contributions that ASUU has made in ensuring that research and improved learning processes are not relegated to the background. This article is suitable for students, lecturers, researchers and the general public.

History of the Academic Staff Union of Universities

The Nigerian Association of University Teachers (NAUT) gave rise to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The University of Ibadan, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Ife, Ile-Ife, and University of Lagos, Lagos, were among the academic staff members covered by the NAUT when it was established in 1965. The primary goals of the NAUT were to enhance the socioeconomic and political well-being of the nation as well as the working circumstances of its members. Attahiru Jega claims that NAUT hardly ever took a stand on national matters.

It appeared to be a middle-class fraternity with ideologies that were not all that different from the post-colonial states. When it did make public pronouncements, they were often anti-regime and conservative (Attahiru Jega: Nigerian Academics Under Military Rule, p. 8).

Understanding that the evolution of the Nigerian university system was influenced by the nation’s sociopolitical and economic trajectory helps explain why NAUT was no longer appropriate for the system’s growth. Eskor Toyo is right when he says that “the character of the society itself and the bad faith of primitive bureaucracy and crude militarism…” are the source of ASUU’s issues and challenges. (The Origins and Importance of ASUU’s Battles, P.2).

When the oil boom was beginning to die down and the country was still coping with the consequences of its leaders’ failure to use the oil wealth to build a social safety net and jobs, ASUU was founded in 1978. The military’s control over Nigeria has seriously weakened the country’s basic liberties. Academic independence and university autonomy were lost during the military dictatorship. Funding for education and universities both drastically decreased. Beginning in 1980, these factors made a change in the academic union’s position necessary.

ASUU adopted a more radical stance, being more focused on national concerns and vehemently opposing the nation’s repressive and undemocratic policies.

Past Presidents of the Academic Staff Union of Universities

Principles of ASUU

Honesty, openness, and responsibility
Hard labour, objectivity, and professionalism
Bravery, selflessness, and complete dedication
Patriotism, anti-imperialism, and working-class unity; internal democracy, teamwork, and group cohesion

Objectives of ASUU

Association of Academic Employees Employed by Universities and Eligible for Membership
Regulation of interactions between members and employers; creation and upkeep of fair and appropriate working conditions for its members

Contact of the Academic Staff Union of Universities

Address: Comrade Festus Lyayi Complex, University of Abuja, Main Campus, Airport, Gir, F.C.T, Abuja

Phone: +234-9-2901318
Email: info@asuu.org.ng