The Academic Staff Union of Universities recently undertook a one-week strike across the nations universities and promised another strike from November 26, 2011 if the agreements it reached with the Federal Government in 2009 are not implemented. The major issues at the centre of the controversy include 70 years retirement age, university funding and others.The governments fear over the retirement age borders on the fact that other public sector workers would demand the same treatment. A holistic analysis of this demand and the consequences of implementing it are necessary.The question is why the increase in the retirement age of professors' ASUU believes that the number of the nations professors is dwindling and the need to sustain a vibrant academic system with qualified hands cannot be compromised. Many of the nations professors are either close to retirement or about to retire. There is a shortage of PhD holders to man the ever-increasing universities across the country. Hence, the need to retain these professors to produce more PhD holders before their retirement.In as much as this demand is justified, a consideration of the consequences cannot be relegated to the background. There seems to be inherent dangers ahead for not only the academia but the nation as a whole if this demand is not properly weighted. Some likely consequences if the retirement age is increased to 70 years are:The non-academic unions in the various universities would clamour for the increase of theirs to 65 years as we can obviously see from their agitations.By extension, the other civil servants in the other sectors would also demand for similar treatment. When government refuses to implement theirs, there would be industrial actions that would derail the nations industrial peace and harmony.Of course, we agree that for some, if not many, at this said age are weak, sickly and worn out. Now, for efficiency and productivity, how would government continue paying workers that are not performing' While we agree that the retention of needed professors cannot be over- emphasised; can we for good reasons retain professors that are not contributing to the academic system' It should not be a fiat. As a good entrepreneur, would you pay for services not needed just for the fun of it'The remuneration of a professor can employ at least three Assistant lecturers and above. When a professor is replaced with other junior staff, the system would benefit due to more hands being employed to salvage the bad unemployment market in the country.What is the way out' An evaluation of the education sector of some countries like the United States and South Africa is necessary. The retirement age for academia in South Africa is 60 years. These retired academics are engaged in these universities as lecturers as far as the need is there. They are well paid and enjoy many benefits as their active colleagues. Prof. George E. Andrews, an Evan Pugh professor of Mathematics would be celebrating his 73rd birthday on December 4, 2011. He is still lecturing and supervising PhD students in the Pennsylvania State University in the US. This year alone, he has delivered 24 talks around the world as at October, 2011. He is still publishing his works in journals. He lectured Mathematics in nearly every continent (except Antarctica). He has produced 22 PhDs and published over 300 articles and books. There are similar professors found elsewhere over the world. If we have professors still productive as him, the system should not allow them to go despite their age.In view of the above, it is recommended that the retirement age of 65 years for the academia be retained in order to maintain industrial harmony in the university system and the nation as a whole.Dr. Adamu Muminu, University of Lagos. adamumus@yahoo.com
Click here to read full news..
