The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected the Federal Government’s reported plan to scrap certain courses in public universities, describing the proposal as misguided and lacking proper understanding of the role of different academic disciplines in national development.
The position was made known by the Kano Zone Coordinator of the union, Comrade AbdulKadir Muhammad, during a press briefing held at the old campus of Bayero University, Kano.
ASUU expressed strong opposition to the idea that some university programmes, particularly in the social sciences and humanities, should be considered irrelevant or removed from the academic system.
The union criticised the argument that the large number of graduates from these fields contributes to unemployment and youth restiveness, stating that such reasoning oversimplifies a deeper structural economic problem.
It further argued that every field of study in the university system has value and contributes in different ways to societal development, both directly and indirectly.
According to ASUU, global educational trends may increasingly emphasise science, technology, and innovation, but Nigeria should not undermine other disciplines, especially when addressing youth unemployment requires broader economic planning and job creation strategies.
The union also warned that blaming specific academic courses for unemployment distracts from more fundamental issues such as governance, economic management, and industrial development.
ASUU additionally expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the country, noting that it has created fear, uncertainty, and instability across many communities.
It called on all levels of government to fulfil their constitutional duty of protecting lives and property, while taking urgent steps to restore peace, economic stability, and social justice.
