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Ex-UNIABUJA VC, Na’Allah Urges FG, ASUU to Put Nigeria First in Talks
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, as well as the Kwara State University (KWASU), Prof. AbdulRasheed Na’Allah, has urged both the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to put the interest of Nigeria first in their negotiations, warning that endless disputes have crippled higher education in the country.
Prof. Na’Allah, who is currently the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the newly licensed Abdulrasaq Abubakar Toyin (AAT) University, said years of mistrust between ASUU and government had weakened universities, reducing them to merely “certificate-issuing centres” instead of engines of national development.
“The crisis in Nigerian universities is at the core of our national crisis,” he said in an interview with newsmen in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
“Government has become less trustworthy, and unions are negotiating only for their members. Both sides no longer put Nigeria first.”
The Professor, who pioneered KWASU as its first Vice Chancellor, faulted the federal government for repeatedly signing agreements it cannot honour and blamed ASUU for shielding unproductive members.
He said: “In Nigeria, you will find professors who don’t teach, don’t attend classes, don’t bring in research grants, yet they want to be paid.
“Negotiations should be based on productivity. Professors who bring in grants, develop products, and work with industries should earn more. Those who don’t contribute should leave the system.”
Na’Allah stressed that government must also demand accountability in exchange for improved funding. “If ASUU is asking for better pay, government too should set conditions: quality teaching, industrial linkages, community development, semester-by-semester assessment of lecturers. That’s how universities grow,” he argued.
He lamented the decline of Nigeria’s first-generation institutions, citing the University of Ibadan’s fall from its once world-class status. According to him, a functional university system could have anticipated and addressed national crises such as insecurity.
“Boko Haram shouldn’t have even shown its face if our universities were effective,” he said.
“Research and surveys should have alerted the nation. But universities today are just about convocations and numbers, not solutions.”
Prof. Na’Allah said he does not see an end to the crisis unless sincerity and patriotism guide both sides. “The only solution is to love this nation. It’s not about ASUU, it’s not about government. It’s about Nigeria and whether we want our universities to compete globally.”
He drew comparisons with China, where he recently attended an Artificial Intelligence (AI) conference at Beijing Normal University. “China’s universities are leading in AI, powering everything from education to national defence. No Nigerian university is doing close to one percent of that,” he said.
On funding, the former VC called for reforms in the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), suggesting the creation of a grant window accessible to professors across both public and private universities.
“The law says TETFUND supports public universities, but we need a scheme that allows any professor in Nigeria, regardless of institution, to compete for grants. That way, innovation is encouraged nationwide,” he added.
Na’Allah, who also teaches at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) on sabbatical, disclosed that he recently introduced a new course, Digital Humanities, designed to integrate technology into the humanities.
He said AAT University, where he chairs the governing council, is being built on a foundation of entrepreneurship, vocational training, and community development. “We don’t want a university that only gives certificates. We want one that changes society, strengthens it, and enriches it,” he said.
End
Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihir-Raji’un.
The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of , Hon. Inuwa Bwala, on behalf of the management and staff, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and pioneer editor of the newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman.
Bwala also extended condolences to Suleiman’s family, associates and the Nigerian media industry, describing his passing as a monumental loss at a time his experience, courage and service to the nation were still greatly needed.
Suleiman reportedly died shortly before a scheduled surgery.
A pioneer editor of National Trail Newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman was regarded as a thoroughbred journalist with a remarkable talent for breaking exclusive stories and shaping public discourse through responsible journalism.
Throughout his distinguished career, he worked with notable media organisations, including National Trail Newspaper, Daily Trust, Summit and The Road. He earned widespread admiration for fearless reporting, ethical conduct and unwavering commitment to professionalism.
His writings and public interventions consistently reflected deep concern for justice, peace, accountability and national unity.
Beyond journalism, Suleiman was widely respected as a bridge-builder who strongly believed in dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse peoples. He remained steadfast in his conviction that truth and justice are essential pillars for national progress.
Though his voice has now gone silent, the values and ideals he stood for will continue to inspire generations. His legacy as a principled journalist, advocate and patriot will endure in the hearts of many whose lives he touched through his work and humanity.
The management and staff of National Trail Newspaper prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, friends, colleagues and members of the in this moment of grief.
Rest in peace, Abdulazeez Suleiman. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.
Uncategorized
JUST IN: After Primary Election Victory, Shehu Sani Visits Parents’ Graves to Offer Prayers and Express Gratitude to God
Following his victory in the party primary election, Senator Shehu Sani visited the graves of his parents to pray and give thanks to Almighty God.
The former senator described the visit as very important to him, noting that his parents played a significant role in his upbringing and in shaping his political life.
Shehu Sani prayed for Allah to forgive his parents and all deceased Muslims, while also reaffirming his commitment to continue serving the people with honesty and integrity after securing victory in the primaries.
The gesture has attracted attention from his supporters and social media users, many of whom praised his act of remembering his parents after a political success.
Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihir-Raji’un.
The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of , Hon. Inuwa Bwala, on behalf of the management and staff, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and pioneer editor of the newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman.
Bwala also extended condolences to Suleiman’s family, associates and the Nigerian media industry, describing his passing as a monumental loss at a time his experience, courage and service to the nation were still greatly needed.
Suleiman reportedly died shortly before a scheduled surgery.
A pioneer editor of National Trail Newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman was regarded as a thoroughbred journalist with a remarkable talent for breaking exclusive stories and shaping public discourse through responsible journalism.
Throughout his distinguished career, he worked with notable media organisations, including National Trail Newspaper, Daily Trust, Summit and The Road. He earned widespread admiration for fearless reporting, ethical conduct and unwavering commitment to professionalism.
His writings and public interventions consistently reflected deep concern for justice, peace, accountability and national unity.
Beyond journalism, Suleiman was widely respected as a bridge-builder who strongly believed in dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse peoples. He remained steadfast in his conviction that truth and justice are essential pillars for national progress.
Though his voice has now gone silent, the values and ideals he stood for will continue to inspire generations. His legacy as a principled journalist, advocate and patriot will endure in the hearts of many whose lives he touched through his work and humanity.
The management and staff of National Trail Newspaper prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, friends, colleagues and members of the in this moment of grief.
Rest in peace, Abdulazeez Suleiman. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.
Dr. Nafiu Sankara Emerges as Kano Central Senatorial Candidate Ahead of the Next Elections
National Trail Mourns Pioneer Editor, Abdulazeez Suleiman
Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu Declared Winner of Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in Taraba
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