The Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the University of Ibadan, Professor Ayoola Akinwole, has called on the federal and state governments to urgently address the ongoing conflicts between the Nigerian government, the working masses, and Nigerian students within the university system.
Professor Akinwole emphasized the need for the government to resolve these conflicts by addressing the concerns of all stakeholders and prioritizing the development of Nigeria’s education sector. He made these remarks while delivering the 556th inaugural lecture titled “Aquaculture Engineering: Reconciling the Balance in The Triad Of Fish, Plants, And Man” at the University of Ibadan.
According to Professor Akinwole, the conflicts in the university system are rooted in several key issues, including insufficient allocation of resources to education, leading to inadequate infrastructure, poor facilities, and outdated curricula. He also highlighted allegations of corruption and mismanagement of funds within the education sector, the rising cost of tuition, poor living conditions for students, and government interference in university affairs.
He noted that these issues have resulted in strikes by academic and non-academic staff, the deterioration of university infrastructure, and high unemployment rates among graduates. ASUU and its members, he said, continue to display “uncommon courage and resilience” in challenging these issues and speaking truth to power at both local and national levels.
In his lecture, Professor Akinwole also advocated for integrating engineering solutions with biological systems to optimize aquaculture practices. He underscored the importance of urban aquaculture for food security, job creation, and income generation, urging governments at all levels to promote it through public awareness and community education.
He further recommended that the government implement best management practices (BMPs) in agriculture, aquaculture, and food production to ensure minimal environmental impact while promoting effective farming operations. Professor Akinwole also advised investors in recirculating fish production systems to seek scientific and technical support to avoid overcapitalization and premature expansion.
Lastly, he suggested adopting a cooperative or community management approach for small-scale aquaponics and integrated aquaculture systems, which would improve the technology’s suitability for local production and reduce barriers to entry by increasing access to human capital and lowering individual labor and educational requirements for operation.
