ASUU President Claims World Bank and IMF Influence on Nigerian Education: An In-Depth Analysis

The Alleged Role of World Bank and IMF in Undermining Nigeria’s Universities: ASUU’s Perspective

The President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has voiced concerns about the role of international financial institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in undermining Nigeria’s university system.

According to ASUU, these institutions’ policies have contributed to the commercialization of education, turning it into a commodity rather than a public good.

This shift has resulted in several challenges for Nigerian universities, such as chronic underfunding, increased bureaucracy, and a decline in academic freedom.

The Pro-Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Professor Ayodeji Omole, further criticized the frequent interference by the World Bank and IMF, alleging that Nigerian Vice Chancellors are regularly summoned by these institutions, limiting their autonomy.

Omole also highlighted issues such as the imposition of incompatible financial systems like the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), which he believes disrupt the academic structure of universities.

Additionally, Omole raised concerns about the introduction of rigid academic standards, such as the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standard (CCMAS) by the National Universities Commission (NUC), arguing that this would stifle innovation and creativity in Nigerian universities.