Nigerian universities are grappling with a severe staff shortage as lecturers seek opportunities abroad amid retirements. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) reveals concerns about the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) contributing to the shortage during an with the PUNCH on Sunday.
Universities like Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, and Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara, report significant lecturer exits, while bureaucratic bottlenecks hinder hiring. The scarcity is attributed to economic challenges, IPPIS dissatisfaction, and government interference.
Calls for urgent solutions arise as universities face the impact of brain drain, retirements, and inadequate replacements.
The Chairman of ASUU at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, notes that about 100 lecturers have left the university. Similarly, the ASUU branch at the Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara, discloses a need for about 1,000 lecturers to fill vacancies.
The University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, reports over 350 academic vacancies, and the University of Lagos notes 27 lecturers leaving.
The trend extends to the University of Ilorin, with about 500 academic vacancies. The Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology reports staff departures, both academic and non-academic.
The ASUU Chairman at the Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, cites bureaucratic bottlenecks as hindering the recruitment process, with senior professors retiring and no replacements.
The IPPIS is also identified as a contributing factor to the challenges faced by universities.
In addition, universities like the Obafemi Awolowo University decried shortages in both academic and non-academic staff.
The University of Jos cites a significant manpower shortage since its last recruitment in 2017, affecting operations.
ASUU leaders emphasize the negative impact of IPPIS, government policies, and inadequate funding on staff shortages, creating an urgency for the government to address the crisis.
The brain drain issue is not limited to specific regions, with universities across Nigeria facing challenges in replacing retiring staff and attracting new talent.
The overall consensus is a need for immediate attention to prevent further deterioration of the academic environment.
