By Agboola Bayo
Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) yesterday warned on the alleged plan by the federal government to commercialise university education in the country.
The union, in its resolution issued after its National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Ibadan, also hinted of its resolve to establish a foundation in honour of Professor Festus Iyayi who died during last year’s six- month strike embarked upon by the union.
ASUU in the resolution signed by its National President, Dr Nasir Fagge Isa, said the recent imposition of fees by the Obafemi Awolowo University administration on its students and their parents was part of the ploy to commercialise university education in the country.
According to ASUU in the resolution, “the imposition of new fees was a violation of ASUU standing principle against commercialisation of education which is a public good.”
It said: “University education must be seen as public good. Something which anyone can consume as much as desired without reducing the amount available for others and individuals should not be prevented from consuming it whether or not the individual pay for it. The unity, security and development of our country depend on the quality and effectiveness of our university education. This must not be mortgaged at the altar of market forces and/or spurious loans conditionalities.”
The union, however, directed all ASUU members in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, Osun state to ensure the reversal of the new imposed fees on the students by the institution’s management.