University autonomy backed by law – ASUU replies Buhari’s minister
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has faulted Senator Chris Ngige’s claim that the education body cannot claim to be autonomous when the government pays lecturers.
According to The Nation, ASUU on Thursday, November 12, criticised the minister of labour and employment saying the university’s autonomy is backed by law.
However, Prof Biodun Ogunyemi, the president of ASUU in an interview noted that the minister cannot unilaterally alter the law.
He added that universities can only generate resources when they have been fully empowered to do so.
Ogunyemi said:
“It appears the minister is not aware that there is a law on autonomy and if there is a law in existence that defines what autonomy means with respect to university governance, I don’t think any minister can arbitrarily annul the law.”
Recall that Ngige had threatened to drag the educational body to court over its prolonged strike, stressing that the government may be forced to file a legal case against the striking workers to arrest the situation.