ASUU lists 5 Key Failures Wrecking Nigeria’s Growth and Youth Hopes

ASUU lists 5 Key Failures Wrecking Nigeria’s Growth and Youth Hopes

ASUU has voiced deep frustration over Nigeria’s broken system, as its national president, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, painted a grim picture of the country’s governance failures and worsening living conditions. He said the country is drowning in a flood of corruption, weak institutions, and bureaucratic bottlenecks that stop progress at every level of government.

Speaking at the 23rd National Delegates Conference of ASUU, held at the University of Benin, Prof Osodeke said Nigeria’s leaders have let the people down. He said the government’s poor decisions, especially its push for neoliberal policies, have worsened living conditions for many Nigerians. These policies, he added, continue to shut out the youth, spark hopelessness, and drive mass exits abroad—popularly known as “japa.”

He pointed out that the government fails to include ordinary Nigerians in national decisions. According to him, a lack of transparency and honesty in leadership has weakened trust and created a sense of hopelessness.

“This system makes people feel abandoned. It doesn’t care. It doesn’t respond. It only takes,” Osodeke said, describing the political environment as unfeeling and exploitative.

Prof Osodeke said Nigeria is rich in resources and talent, yet it suffers from massive poverty. “We have oil, fertile land, and millions of energetic young people. We should be leading Africa,” he said. “Instead, we’re stuck with joblessness, inflation, a falling naira, and more people slipping into poverty every day.”

He said the informal sector, which includes small businesses and hustlers who work daily to survive, keeps many Nigerians from falling into total ruin. Yet, he said, the government pays little attention to this group.

“When they finally notice them, they slap taxes, hike energy bills, and raise the cost of internet. These actions only punish people trying to make an honest living,” he said.

The ASUU President warned that Nigeria’s economic challenges won’t go away with shallow reforms. According to him, the few improvements in agriculture and technology need solid planning, heavy investment, and a real commitment to growth—not just empty talk.

He questioned the true motives behind government reforms. “Are they for the people or just for show?” he asked. He said the mass exodus of professionals, skilled workers, and graduates proves that many no longer believe in the system. “They are voting with their feet,” he said.

Prof Osodeke also warned that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity is destroying any chance of progress. He called out the threat posed by Boko Haram in the North-East, armed bandits in the North-West, kidnappers in the South, and separatist groups in the South-East.

“This fear affects everyone. It stops investors. It separates communities. It feeds mistrust,” he said. He noted that even security agencies are overwhelmed, and the people no longer trust them to keep the country safe.

“No country can develop if its people are scared all the time,” he said firmly.

Prof Osodeke praised some civil society groups and reform-minded leaders for their efforts. But he added that their work is often blocked by a government disconnected from the real lives of the people.

He painted a picture of a nation full of talent and potential but crippled by mismanagement. From young entrepreneurs fighting to grow small businesses, to university graduates forced to flee for better chances abroad, he said the signs of failure are clear.

He also criticized the government’s inconsistent and sometimes harsh policies. He said many of them are not only harmful but also make it harder for honest Nigerians to survive. “Why punish the people you should be helping?” he asked.

Osodeke stressed the need for unity and leadership that listens. He said Nigeria must choose development, fairness, and peace—or risk deeper chaos.

He urged the government to stop hiding behind fancy speeches and start building systems that work for everyone. He said the country cannot continue with politics as usual while the masses suffer.

His words hit home for many Nigerians who face daily battles with high prices, low income, and insecurity. Across the country, people are tired of excuses. They want results. They want change that touches their lives.

For ASUU and others in the academic community, these problems also hit the education sector hard. Many students drop out because of poverty. Universities lack funding. Lecturers are overworked and underpaid. Strikes happen often, and learning suffers.

Prof Osodeke said the brain drain—when smart young people leave the country—is a serious danger. He called it a sign that things are not working. “Why would a trained doctor or engineer stay in a place where there’s no job, no safety, and no hope?” he asked.

He warned that if the government fails to act now, the damage may become too deep to fix. He said leaders must stop thinking short-term and start building for the future. That means investing in education, fixing power and roads, and making policies that encourage local businesses.

He called for a country where ideas matter more than connections, where leaders serve, not steal, and where the youth see a future worth staying for.

In his final words, he urged Nigerians not to lose hope. “This country is ours. We must keep fighting for it,” he said.