The Academic Staff Union of Universities has rejected the Federal Government’s proposal to phase out university courses considered irrelevant to Nigeria’s economic future.
According to a report by News Digest, the union made its position known during a press briefing in Bauchi on Wednesday. ASUU Bauchi Zonal Coordinator Comrade Namo Timothy said the proposal was misguided and insisted that every programme offered in Nigerian universities plays a role in national development and personal growth.
Timothy noted that subjects often described as less practical, such as philosophy, religious studies, linguistics and fine arts, help students develop creativity, communication, critical thinking and digital literacy. He also rejected the claim that graduates of the social sciences and humanities are responsible for rising unemployment, pointing out that joblessness affects graduates across all fields.
He said reducing the problem to “irrelevant courses” ignores the deeper economic and governance challenges facing the country. The union warned it would oppose any move to abolish academic programmes and was ready to work with civil society groups to resist the policy.
ASUU also expressed frustration over the slow implementation of its December 2025 agreement with the Federal Government. The union listed unresolved issues including withheld salaries, promotion arrears, IPPIS-related shortfalls, unpaid third-party deductions and outstanding arrears from the 23/35 per cent wage award. It warned that continued neglect could lead to fresh unrest in the university system and urged the public and media to push for full implementation of the agreement.