In order to engender effective governance systems in Nigerian universities, there is an urgent need to restrain workers' unions in the universities, Prof. Nahzeem Olufemi Mimiko, former Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU), Akungba said.

Prof. Mimiko a member of the USA-Africa Dialogue took this position on Monday 10^th July 2017 while delivering a keynote address at a seminar organized by Ibadan School of Government and Public Policy (ISGPP)

The theme of the seminar held at the Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan, was "Getting our Universities Back on Track: Conversation on Higher Education in Nigeria".

The vast scholar who based his lecture on his new book, Getting our Universities Back on Track, stresses that one of the problems militating against universities' governance was the activities of the unions and pressure groups like ASUU, NASU, Student Unions and a host of others.

Prof Mimiko said that "to achieve effective university governance, there is need to restrain and reorientate the unions or our universities won't be able to compete globally. Unions want to be consulted in everything including management of funds and even appointments in the Universities.

He said "To me, it constitutes what can be described as a handshake above the elbow when unions, during protests, lock up the gates of the institutions, disrupt movement, cut off water and electricity. Unions should be organized on how to add value not just to create confrontations. I am not saying we don't need the unions but there is need for greater responsibility in the way and manner unions run. We must rein in the unions when they commit infractions". He further said he is not in support of collective bargaining.

The professor advocated the enactment of legislation to curb "irresponsible" strike actions and their effects but stressed that there is need for protection to be created for those who choose not to take part in the strike actions  so that the democratic principles upon which the unions were founded in the first place are not eroded.

According to the former university boss, "poor funding of our Universities does not tell the whole story of the problems facing our universities. Governance is more important. A university that has all the funds it needs but lacks professionalism and efficiency in governance will eventually fail. “The quality of leadership in Nigerian universities is a very important conversation that we must continue to have"

Members of ASUU and other unions affected by Prof. Mimiko's speech were not represented at the discourse which was chaired and moderated by Prof. Toyin Falola, a Professor of History and African Studies from University of Texas, Austin.

Dr. Tunji Olaopa the host of the seminar explained that indeed, an invitation was extended to ASUU but other modalities and protocols for getting the union on board could not be met before it kicked off.

He promised that the next education based discourse the ISGPP would be having, will focus a lot on ASUU and other unions and critical stakeholders in the universities.

Prof Wale Babalakin in his speech lamented the poor funding of Universities. He said that he wondered why in University of Maiduguri, for example where he is Chancellor will get 7 Billion for Staff Salaries and only 800 Million for research. He further said that this arrangement does not qualify the institution as a teaching Institution.

He challenged Vice Chancellors to speak collectively against poor funding and stop putting blames on past administrations. He also challenged Education stakeholders to join the political framework so as to influence Government policies on education.

Other Stakeholders who lend their voices at the seminar include Prof Gabriel Ogunmola (Chancellor, Lead City University), Prof Adebayo Okunade (Immediate Past Director, Center for Distance Learning University of Ibadan), Prof CBN Ogbogbo, Head of  Department of History, University of Ibadan and President Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN), Prof Eghosa Osaghae (Vice Chancellor, Igbinedion University), Prof Ebunoluwa Oduwole (Deputy VC Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago-Iwoye) , Prof Tajudeen Akanji ,Coordinator Humanitarian and disaster management unit, Institute  for strategic  Studies , University of Ibadan and a host of stakeholders from the Education and Government Sectors.

Packaged by Adeola Raheem.