National Universities Commission
Dr. Isaac Yae Asiedu’s accusation that Nigerian professors ‘chase publications, not solutions’ is not just a misdiagnosis of our academic ailment—it is a profound inversion of reality. The truth he overlooks is simple yet staggering it is not the professors who have failed the nation, but the nation that has comprehensively failed its professors.
Let me start by saying that this write-up has exposed the government more than many I have read. Why should those he described as brilliant—full of knowledge, passion, and vision—fail to fulfill the duties for which they were employed? That alone paints a clear picture that someone has failed in their responsibilities.
Have you not heard that Nigerian professors and academics, who were forced out of this country by poor social and educational policies, are now performing excellently in other countries? There, their initiatives are supported by those governments.
I expected the writer to begin by acknowledging the commendable actions of the Nigerian government in providing genuine support and effective funding for Nigerian universities. That would have helped convince his audience of the failure of our professors.
Coincidentally, he wrote this at a time when Nigerian universities are, once again, being forced to go on strike due to the government’s failure to fulfill its promises to revitalize the university system. I am not sure whether this was deliberate or coincidental.
Most Misleading and Unfair Write-Ups
This is one of the most misleading and unfair write-ups I have come across.
This is a country that promised to review the salaries of professors and academics in 2009 but has yet to do so as we approach 2025.
I wonder if this writer understands that professors do not provide funding for developmental research—the government does. Yet, the Nigerian government does not effectively fund developmental research, no matter how excellent it may be. Instead, it spends billions on contracts riddled with scams.
This writer is ignorant of the fact that professors do not equip laboratories—the government does. But the ruling class prefers to send their children abroad to utilize foreign laboratories funded by foreign governments.
While I agree that the recognition of professors should be based on innovation, creativity, and community service, unfortunately, the Nigerian government has no interest in these initiatives within Nigerian universities. Instead, these efforts have been sabotaged by the Nigerian ruling class, which allocates only 5%–7% of the national budget to education, as opposed to the international standard of 27%.
The Challenges of Research Grants
This is a country where professors are the least paid in Africa. Nigerian professors are not allocated research grants as is done in other countries.
How can a professor build a nation when his hands are tied? No research grants! No good salary! No motivation or incentives! Rather than criticize, you should commend Nigerian professors for publishing to survive, even in the face of insults from a government that ought to support them in innovating and inventing.
Nigerian academics still go on strike to demand improved university funding. Nigerian universities lack stable power supply, internet connectivity to enhance research collaboration, and supporting infrastructure. No, no, no…!
Remember, a professor is an employee of the government. His main roles are to mentor, conduct research, publish, undertake community service, and contribute to knowledge and character development. He is not a supplier or contractor tasked with providing infrastructure, equipment, or reagents for laboratories.
Why shouldn’t Nigerian professors publish to earn recognition among their professional colleagues in the international arena, especially when the Nigerian government fails to support innovation and creativity in its universities?
There are excellent research proposals developed by Nigerian professors and academics, but a substantial number of them cannot secure government funding unless they resort to bribes and other corrupt practices. Even TETFund, which was established to support genuine funding for tertiary education, has been hijacked by politicians who award contracts that often deviate from its original mandate as agreed with ASUU.
Do you want Nigerian professors to perish so that unfairly biased individuals will have even worse things to say about them?
Nigerian Iconic Academics
Just for your reference, these Nigerian academics are few among many that excel in Africa and globally. So Nigerian academics are hardworking, but Nigerian governments consistently expressed their potential from impacting on our national development.
1. Professor Oye Gurejo.
Renowned for his research in mental health. His work has been instrumental in shaping mental health policies globally.
2. Prof. Mayowa Owolabi
A leading figure in neurology, His research on stroke risk factors specific to African populations has led to the development of tools like the Afrocentric Stroke Riskometer, enhancing stroke prevention strategies.
3. Prof. Shafiu Mohammed Shafiu
His research on public health, particularly health financing and quality of care. His contributions have had a profound impact on healthcare systems across Africa.
4. Prof. Babatunde Kwaku Adadevoh
As a pioneer in chemical pathology and medical education. He played a crucial role in advancing medical research and education in Nigeria, influencing generations of medical professionals
5. Olumbe Bassir
A biochemist and microbiologist, conducted significant research on aflatoxins, contributing to public health initiatives.
6.Isaac Folorunso Adewole
His extensive research in gynecologic oncology and HIV prevention has shaped healthcare policy and improved access to care.
Opinion piece written by Dr. Ahmed Ibrahim Karage , Yobe State University, Damaturu, Northeast of Nigeria.
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