Public universities in Nigeria are facing a significant crisis as a growing number of lecturers are leaving the system for better opportunities abroad. The exodus is driven by various factors, including the desire for improved working conditions, career fulfillment, insecurity, poor salaries, inadequate funding, non-payment of outstanding salaries, and the harsh economic situation.
Approximately 50 percent of lecturers have already resigned from various universities, and recent data suggests that up to 80 percent of the remaining staff are considering leaving if the current situation persists. Despite a recent salary increment approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the increment does not seem to be dissuading lecturers from exploring alternatives.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s gesture, describing it as inadequate compared to their negotiations. The prolonged ASUU strike and the government’s refusal to pay for the strike period prompted many lecturers to relocate abroad.
Several universities, including the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, University of Ilorin, and others, have witnessed a substantial loss of lecturers, and those who remain are reportedly considering leaving as well. The situation has led to concerns about a severe shortage of teaching staff and a potential decline in the quality of education.
University administrators are grappling with the challenge, with some resorting to converting non-teaching staff who have completed doctoral programs into academic positions. The morale among lecturers is reported to be low, with issues such as owed salaries, poor living conditions, and inadequate facilities contributing to the overall dissatisfaction.
The Nigerian government’s efforts to address the brain drain crisis and retain qualified lecturers appear to face significant challenges, and the situation is posing a threat to the future of tertiary education in the country.
