The issue of transparency in Nigerian universities has taken center stage following a scathing report by the Athena Center for Policy and Leadership.
The report, which described Nigerian universities as “badly run” and lacking transparency, has sparked a heated debate between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka.
In a recent interview, ASUU president Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke defended the universities, blaming government policies for the perceived lack of transparency. However, Chidoka fired back, criticizing the ASUU president’s response and reiterating the need for greater accountability in publicly funded institutions.
The Athena Center’s Report
The report titled “A National Embarrassment: Reforming Transparency in Nigerian Universities to Unlock Global Funding and Restore Credibility” Nigerian Varsities Among Least Transparent Globally – Athena Centre.
The report surveyed 64 universities (30 federal, 18 state, and 16 private), and found that none published their budgets, audited accounts, or visitation panel reports on their websites. It highlighted that formal requests for financial information under the Freedom of Information Act were often ignored, with state and private universities citing “lack of authorization” for withholding data.
How financial secrecy in Nigerian universities blocks global funding – Report; Chidoka compares this to universities in Kenya, Egypt, and South Africa, where financial details, including government allocations, research grants, and school fees, are publicly available, fostering trust and attracting funding. Nigerian Varsities Don’t Provide IGR Breakdown – Athena Centre.
ASUU President’s Reaction
In response to the report, ASUU president Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke argued that the lack of transparency is not the fault of the universities but rather a consequence of government policies.
He pointed to the introduction of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), which he said have centralized control over university finances in the hands of the Office of the Accountant General. This, he claimed, has stripped universities of their financial autonomy, making it difficult for them to manage and account for their funds transparently.
Prof. Osodeke also highlighted that in the past, universities had more control over their budgets and could account for their expenditures more effectively. He noted that the accounts of universities are audited by the Office of the Auditor General, and these reports are available, countering the claim that there is no transparency.
Additionally, he criticized the politicization of university leadership, where vice-chancellors are often appointed based on regional or political affiliations rather than merit, further undermining the institutions’ ability to function effectively.
Osita Chidoka’s Response
Former Minister Osita Chidoka was quick to respond to Prof. Osodeke’s defense, expressing dismay at what he perceived as a lack of preparation and understanding on the part of the ASUU president. Chidoka criticized Prof. Osodeke for misidentifying him as a former member of the National Assembly, despite being introduced as a former Minister of Aviation. He argued that this error revealed a troubling lack of preparation and suggested that the ASUU president had not even read the report he was critiquing.
Chidoka also clarified that the Athena Center’s report was not authored by him but by a team of distinguished academics and professionals, emphasizing the credibility of the research. He rejected the ASUU president’s argument that financial autonomy exempts universities from accountability, insisting that publicly funded institutions must be transparent about their financial management. He called for universities to publish detailed financial reports, including funds from IPPIS, TSA, grants, and donations, as a basic requirement of public accountability.
The debate over transparency in Nigerian universities is far from over, but it has brought to light critical issues that must be addressed if the country’s education sector is to thrive. While ASUU’s concerns about government interference are valid, the call for greater accountability cannot be ignored. Universities must find a way to balance financial autonomy with transparency, ensuring that they can manage their resources effectively while remaining accountable to the public. Only then can Nigerian universities regain their reputation and compete globally.
