The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has criticised the practice of converting non-teaching staff to academic positions in Nigerian universities, describing the development as a threat to professional standards and the quality of higher education.
The union raised concerns over what it described as the increasing practice by some universities of moving administrative and other non-teaching personnel into teaching positions without following established procedures and standards.
ASUU argued that academic appointments should be based on clearly defined qualifications, professional competence and transparent recruitment processes to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s university system.
The union maintained that teaching and research require specialised training and expertise, stressing that academic positions should not be treated as an extension of administrative appointments.
According to the union, allowing staff without the appropriate academic qualifications or professional background to move into the teaching cadre could have implications for the quality of instruction delivered to students.
It also warned that the practice could undermine the career progression of academics who have followed the established process of obtaining relevant qualifications and building research experience before securing university appointments.
ASUU said universities must maintain clear distinctions between teaching and non-teaching roles while ensuring that appointments into academic positions comply with institutional regulations and national standards.
The union further called on university authorities to strengthen internal procedures for recruitment, promotion and conversion of staff to prevent arbitrary decisions.
The issue comes amid broader concerns over standards, funding and staff welfare in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
Universities across the country have continued to grapple with challenges including inadequate funding, infrastructure deficits, shortages of academic staff and increasing student populations.
Against this backdrop, ASUU stressed the need for universities to focus on strengthening their academic workforce through proper recruitment, training and staff development rather than relying on questionable conversion arrangements.
The union argued that academic staff are expected to perform several specialised functions, including teaching, research, supervision of postgraduate students and community service.
These responsibilities, it noted, require appropriate academic preparation and continuous professional development.
ASUU therefore urged governing councils and university managements to ensure that appointments into teaching positions are subjected to rigorous assessment and are based on merit.
The union also called for greater oversight by relevant regulatory authorities to ensure that universities comply with national standards governing academic staffing.
It warned that failure to address the practice could create long-term problems for the university system by weakening recruitment standards and compromising the credibility of academic qualifications.
The union maintained that the integrity of the teaching cadre is essential to producing graduates who can compete effectively in the Nigerian and global labour markets.
It also stressed that universities should provide opportunities for qualified young academics to enter the system through transparent recruitment processes.
According to the union, protecting academic standards should remain a priority even as institutions seek solutions to staffing and administrative challenges.
ASUU further encouraged university managements to explore legitimate approaches to addressing manpower shortages, including the recruitment of qualified academics and investment in staff development.
The union said non-teaching staff who wish to pursue academic careers should be required to meet the same standards applicable to other candidates seeking academic appointments.
Such standards, it argued, should include relevant academic qualifications, research competence and other requirements established by individual universities and regulatory bodies.
The union’s position is expected to generate further discussion within the university community, particularly among governing councils, management teams, academic unions and non-teaching staff associations.
While non-teaching personnel play important roles in the administration and functioning of universities, ASUU maintained that their roles should not be confused with the specialised responsibilities of academic staff.
The union called for constructive engagement among stakeholders to resolve disputes surrounding staff conversion while ensuring that the quality of university education is not compromised.
It also urged the Federal Government and relevant education authorities to provide clearer guidelines where necessary to prevent inconsistencies in the application of policies across institutions.
As Nigeria seeks to improve the quality and global competitiveness of its tertiary education system, ASUU stressed that maintaining professional standards in academic appointments would remain crucial.
The union said universities must resist practices that could weaken the distinction between academic and administrative responsibilities and instead prioritise merit, qualifications and competence.
It maintained that any reforms introduced into the university system should ultimately serve the interests of students, strengthen research and improve the quality of education.
ASUU’s position reinforces the broader argument that Nigeria’s universities require not only increased funding and infrastructure but also strong institutional standards capable of supporting quality teaching and research.
The union therefore urged university authorities to review existing conversion practices and ensure that all academic appointments are conducted transparently and in accordance with established regulations.