Like flat a tyre which brings a vehicle to a standstill, incessant and avoidable industrial action has crippled the already fragile Nigeria’s university education. Last time, I read a comment made by the education Minister, quoted as saying that a past government had entered into an agreement with ASUU to pay over one trillion naira and wondered where to get the money from.
After a series of failed meetings to end the strike, the lecturers and government reached an agreement.
Just three days after ASUU suspended the strike, the federal government ordered the suspension of academic activities in Nigerian varsities. It said the action followed the second wave of COVID-19.
Nigeria’s education sector has been in deep quandary for the past two decades especially when it comes to delivering qualitative and sound education.
Universities have been shut for almost a year now. The students’ interests in learning have waned.
Shutting down universities may not be the best option. We are old enough to live with COVID-19 and its guidelines. As a student, my school has been making everyone to follow the COVID-19 protocols. I believe others will do the same. The development of any country is dependent on the progress and the future of its youths who are now being neglected.
Where is the right to study for the students? A four-year course now takes about six years to finish.
The government should act decisively and take measures. Remember the sons and daughters of the masses that brought you to power and some of them have lost interest or quit studying. Your negligence has caused the country to lose many professionals in different fields.
Our representatives should intervene and do the needful.
My fellow students should take heart and keep praying. Better things are on the way. I urge you to maintain peace and discipline. Remember the saying, “in learning and character’’.
Usman Abdullahi Koli, Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic Bauchi
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