ASUU Urges Caution Over Increasing First-Class Honors from Private Universities
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised alarms about the growing number of first-class graduates produced annually by Nigeria’s private universities. The union’s National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed his concerns during a Thursday event in honor of Prof. Andy Egwunyenga’s successful tenure as Vice Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU).
Prof. Osodeke pointed out that while private universities are producing impressive figures of first-class graduates, this trend could raise questions about academic integrity if such practices were to be adopted by public universities without proper regulation. He warned that the unchecked award of numerous first-class degrees could undermine the credibility of Nigerian higher education.
In addition, Osodeke stressed the broader issue of declining educational standards in the country, particularly at the foundational level. He criticized the primary and secondary education systems for producing students with excellent grades but lacking in-depth knowledge, which he believes compromises the quality of university education.
Further fueling his concerns, Prof. Osodeke lamented the increasing exodus of skilled Nigerian professionals to countries offering better work conditions. He attributed this mass migration to systemic issues within Nigeria’s educational and institutional frameworks. Citing alarming incidents like building collapses, Osodeke suggested that these tragic events highlight significant failures within the nation’s institutions.
The ASUU President also reiterated the union’s commitment to fighting for improved welfare and working conditions for academic staff. He emphasized the need for a renewed struggle, recalling a time when Nigerian academics could sustain a comfortable life. Osodeke vowed that ASUU would continue to speak out against injustices and fight for fairness in the academic sector.
Recent figures from convocation ceremonies across the country underscore ASUU’s concerns about the surge in first-class graduates from private universities. Several private institutions have reported an increase in the number of first-class honors being awarded to graduates.
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For example, Salem University in Lokoja is set to graduate 499 students during its 6th convocation, with 41 earning first-class honours across seven colleges. Similarly, Ajayi Crowther University in Oyo will confer degrees on 2,679 students at its 16th convocation, with 86 students receiving first-class honours. Benson Idahosa University in Benin will celebrate its 20th convocation, with 77 of its 1,029 graduates receiving first-class degrees—the highest number in the university’s history.
While these milestones are celebratory, ASUU’s calls for stricter academic standards and regulatory oversight have gained momentum. The union stresses the importance of maintaining the integrity of Nigerian university degrees, ensuring that academic excellence remains credible and not diluted by unchecked practices.
