As students of public universities expect positive a outcome from the second consultation of the various chapters of the Academic Union of Universities (ASUU), to review the ongoing industrial action to either call off this strike or otherwise, I have this to say: ASUU is understandably reluctant to end this strike. ASUU’s recent actions and inactions proved wrong their commitment, readiness to go back to the classrooms. Although my intention is not to induce the president of ASUU to present the latest offer to ASUU members as a fait accompli, or influence the reaction of his members, but I must say, if students’ interest is number one priority of the ASUU, they should now consider the offers given to them by the federal government and waste no time to call off this strike.
Recall that exemption from IPPIS, increment of Earned Academic Allowances, EAA, and revitalisation of universities were some major concerns of ASUU, and these have been exclusively resolved with fruitful discussions. Therefore, I wonder, having these issues addressed, what stops ASUU from ending this strike. One may continue to ask as for how long it’ll take ASUU to consider students’ frustrations?
Because, this strike wasn’t favourable to our children’s future and it has seen them staying in the universities more than it is necessary. Also, the strains brought by this strike must have been enormous on the students, but since they’ve nothing to do but rather not to lose hope, and hold on the mercy of ASUU to at its own convenience end this strike. I’m optimistic that not only the students but the parents, guardians and the generality of Nigerians are looking up to ASUU to as a matter of fact end this strike for students’ future.
To me, this is the most elongated strike in the history of this country. It’s worrisome to hear that subjecting every single decision to a series of innumerable consultations will further add more pains to the already emotionally disturbed students. Initially, the Labour and Employment Minister was lampooned by me for not acting in the right way to bring ASUU back to the negotiation table. However, with his latest efforts, the Labour and Employment Minister has resuscitated his determination to resolve ASUU’s grievances.
To this end, I urge ASUU to as a matter of fact cooperate with Ngige to find a lasting solution to this crisis.
Despite distractions from some quarters, discernible minds could easily notice how eager, committed, and determined Ngige was to subject whatever ASUU needs to a conclusive stage. But failure to reciprocate the same prompted me to say ASUU’s bureaucratic foot-dragging will likely continue to delay the long anticipated students’ resumption.
Abbas Datti. ([email protected])
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