Nigerian universities are grappling with a significant shortage of academic staff, exacerbated by a surge in lecturers leaving for opportunities abroad and challenges associated with the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) confirms the shortage, with universities like Usmanu Danfodiyo University and Federal University, Gusau, experiencing losses of up to 100 lecturers. Bureaucratic bottlenecks and stringent clearance processes make filling these vacancies difficult.
ASUU highlights the impact of government interference, inadequate funding, and poor remuneration, urging swift action to address the brain drain affecting the nation's universities.
The IPPIS, designed to curb irregular payments, faces criticism for hindering universities from employing much-needed staff. Universities across the country, including Obafemi Awolowo University and University of Jos, are appealing for a resolution to ensure adequate staffing for quality education delivery.
