The President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Chris Piwuna, has expressed strong disapproval of the Nigerian government’s celebration of the recent Times Higher Education (THE) ranking, which featured 29 Nigerian universities. Piwuna argues that this achievement is overshadowed by persistent issues such as inadequate funding, poor research output, and subpar learning conditions.

In an interview with Punch Newspapers, Piwuna likened the situation to a tortoise that moves only a short distance over time, suggesting that the increase from 24 to 29 ranked universities is not a significant improvement. He stated, "We have been talking about these things for years. Is it a movement from 24 to 29 that we should be celebrating?" He emphasized that only two Nigerian universities are within the top 1,000 globally, with one being a private institution, casting doubt on the overall progress of the nation’s higher education system.

Piwuna highlighted that the key metrics for university rankings include research impact, student learning environments, and graduate employability. He stressed that the government’s focus should not be on celebrating minimal progress but rather on addressing the underlying issues that hinder the growth and reputation of Nigerian universities. He stated, "It should make the minister and the ministry roll up their sleeves and know that there is more to do."

The ASUU president pointed out that despite the government's claims of progress, the realities within universities remain grim. He noted that many institutions continue to struggle with issues such as excessive workloads for academic staff and a poor staff-to-student ratio, which he described as critical factors affecting the quality of education. Piwuna mentioned that the ideal staff-student ratio should be 1 to 15, varying by discipline, yet many Nigerian universities fall short of this standard.

He also criticized the government's handling of funding, particularly regarding the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), which is meant to support research and development in universities. While acknowledging improvements in funding for research, Piwuna insisted that much more is needed to elevate the educational standards in Nigeria.

Furthermore, he pointed out that the government’s recent release of funds for academic allowances does not address the longstanding issues that have plagued the educational sector. He questioned the efficacy of the government's financial commitments, stating that universities are still struggling despite these assurances. Piwuna remarked, "Vice-Chancellors are saying they cannot pay. So, we are caught in the middle."

Piwuna concluded by urging the government and university authorities to take the necessary steps to improve the educational landscape, emphasizing the importance of commitment from both academic staff and the government. He reiterated that true progress should be measured by substantial improvements in research output, learning conditions, and the overall reputation of Nigerian universities on the global stage.