The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has made a strong appeal to governments at all levels to increase funding for the education sector. This call was made by Prof. Nanmwa Doncir, the Bauchi Zonal Acting Coordinator of the union, during a news conference held on Friday in Jos.
Prime 9ja Online reports that the Bauchi zone of the union comprises universities located in Plateau, Bauchi, and Gombe States.
Prof. Doncir expressed his dissatisfaction with the current funding structure for the education sector, describing it as grossly inadequate. He highlighted that this issue of poor funding has been a long-standing concern for ASUU.
He lamented, “The commitment of governments to the funding of education has been very disappointing. For example, from 2010 till date, budgetary allocation to education has not reached 10 percent in any one year. In 2024 it is 6.39 per cent. Is this figure capable of renewing hope in education?"
Prof. Doncir further explained that the insufficient funding has frustrated efforts to address various infrastructural deficiencies in educational institutions. These include a shortage of lecture rooms and theatres, inadequate hostels and office accommodation, poor laboratories, studios, workshops, and other utilities.