A retiring lecturer at the University of Lagos, Prof. Uchenna Udeani, has called on the federal and state governments to urgently improve the conditions of service for lecturers in order to sustain current staff and attract younger professionals. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Udeani, a Professor of Science Education and former Director of the Distance Learning Institute, expressed concern over the low morale among lecturers in public tertiary institutions, which is resulting in resignations, retirements, and a lack of interest from younger lecturers.

This trend is creating a significant gap in Nigeria’s tertiary education system, according to Udeani, who has spent over three decades in the university system. She described the situation as worrisome and emphasized the need for immediate attention from the government. Udeani noted that lecturers are struggling with basic needs such as transportation, energy bills, and school fees for their children, while their salaries remain unchanged.

The professor also highlighted the inadequate resources available to lecturers, stating that they often lack the necessary tools to perform their jobs effectively. This, she believes, affects their overall performance and morale. Udeani argued that the government should provide welfare packages for lecturers, including basic necessities such as laptops, printers, and comfortable offices, to enable them to carry out their duties efficiently.

The lack of meaningful welfare packages is leading to massive resignations among professors in public universities, who are seeking better opportunities elsewhere. Udeani warned that poorly treated intellectuals cannot make significant contributions, and the current situation is detrimental to the development of Nigeria’s tertiary education system. With many experienced lecturers retiring or leaving the profession, Udeani expressed concern over the potential gender imbalance in the education sector, where females may dominate the profession due to the low retention rate of male lecturers.

The university system is facing a critical challenge, and Udeani’s comments highlight the need for urgent action from the government to address the concerns of lecturers and ensure the sustainability of Nigeria’s tertiary education system. As the country strives to develop its education sector, the welfare of lecturers must be prioritized to prevent a brain drain and maintain the quality of education. The government’s response to Udeani’s concerns will be crucial in determining the future of Nigeria’s tertiary education system.