ASUU Accuses CBN of Neglecting University Funding

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has criticized the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for allegedly failing to support public universities in Nigeria with intervention funds.

According to ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke, the CBN ceased funding university projects in 2014, following the departure of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the bank’s governor.

Sanusi, now the 14th Emir of Kano, oversaw significant infrastructure development in universities during his tenure.

“There are many companies today that have reserve funds for community development, including the CBN, NNPC, and others,” Osodeke said in an interview on Channels Television. “Sanusi was the first CBN governor to utilize these funds for university projects. Every federal university has at least one building constructed during his time.”

Osodeke expressed disappointment that subsequent CBN governors have not followed in Sanusi’s footsteps. He called on the current governor, Olayemi Cardoso, to prioritize university funding.

“If Sanusi’s approach had been continued by other CBN governors, we wouldn’t be discussing university projects today,” Osodeke stated. “The Community Social Responsibility fund exists, but it seems to have been forgotten.”