A recent column in The Guardian Nigeria features diverse reader reactions to poet Niyi Osundare's ongoing discourse on the state of Nigerian universities. Contributors praise Osundare's insights while debating internal and external challenges facing higher education. They call for better funding, fair pay for lecturers, and systemic reforms to restore integrity.
Tony Afejuku's column, published on October 31, 2025, pauses his series on Niyi Osundare to share selected reader responses to the poet-scholar's critiques of Nigerian universities. Osundare, described as a 'daring and adventurous' figure, has highlighted issues like moral atrophy, extortion, and a lack of direction in academia over five weeks of discourse.
Professor OO expresses anticipation for Osundare's influence, foreseeing 'wailing and weeping from New Orleans' and hoping for 'Waiting Laughters' in universities amid the 'Mist' of challenges. He critiques 'academically weak minds' who allegedly pay for degrees and defends celebrations at defenses as recognition of achievement, urging administrators to fund such events given defense fees.
Dr. Clement Odia appreciates the column's diversity but suggests Osundare provide insights on foreign universities for balance. He attributes university woes to economic pressures rather than moral failure, emphasizing that 'no one serves effectively on an empty stomach' and calling for government prioritization of lecturer remuneration.
Dr. Albert O. Onobhayedo uses biblical analogies to blame 'senility,' greed, and gullibility for the rot, warning of fading light and echoing Osundare's call to decide the system's future.
Captain Jonathan Nani agrees with Afejuku and Osundare, noting universities lack direction despite intellect. He urges government and academia to restore purpose, integrity, and oneness to prevent the system from drifting.
An anonymous investigative journalist, after reviewing Osundare's interviews, identifies 'inside and outside enemies' pilfering funds, referencing a 1997 conference on reclaiming university glory. He criticizes the focus on external threats and hopes the Education Minister uses the analysis as a roadmap forward.
Other contributors, like another Prof. OO and The Stirrer, praise the suspenseful style and predict ongoing struggles with ASUU and negotiators, calling for Osundare's 'magic' to heal wounds.
The responses underscore a consensus on systemic failures while debating solutions, from curriculum flaws in creative writing programs to the need for endless advocacy.