Strike: Onyema asks ASUU to emulate airline operators

The Chairman of Air Peace, Barr. Allen Onyema, has commissioned an imposing guest house named after him at the University of Ibadan.

Onyema who is an alumnus of the institution commissioned the ‘Allen Onyema Edifice’, a modern multiple room guest house at the heart of the University under the auspices of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA)

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The commissioning took place at a special ceremony organised by the UIAA at the University, on Saturday, and attended by the Sultan of Sokoto and Chancellor of the University, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar, Chief John Odigie, Chairman of the University Governing Council, Professor Kayode Adebowale, Vice-chancellor of the University and chief host, and the executive members of the UIAA.

Onyema used the occasion to plead with the Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU) to call off its strike for the sake of the nation and the wellbeing of the students, recalling that the airline operators only made sacrifices by suspending their planned shutdown last Sunday. He asked the University lecturers to take a cue from them.

He also called for increased funding for Nigeria’s university system, while advising Nigerians to be proud of their institutions.

“We need to be proud of Nigerian universities. That’s how it was in the good old days. We need to rediscover those days”, he stated.

The Air Peace boss, who was recognised with the Alumnus of the Year Award by the University in 2019, said he is pained by the ongoing ASUU strike.

He said, “It pains me that our children have been at home for several months. For the sake of our nation, which is passing through trying times, and for the sake of the wellbeing of our children, ASUU should, please, call off the strike.”

He said the Federal Government and the Union should reach an amicable decision to end the crisis in the country’s university system.

President of the Alumni Association, Professor Elsie Adewoye, narrated how Onyema emerged as the Alumnus of the Year in 2019, and donated handsomely to the Ransome Kuti Hall where he stayed during his days at the institution.

She said: “As we commission this 110million naira project today, my joy knows no bounds. Onyema is simply a blessing to humanity, a blessing to Nigeria, a blessing to UI, and no wonder you were rewarded recently with the National Productivity Order of Merit Award by President Muhammadu Buhari. Thank you most exceedingly”.

Speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar, charged the school management to never let the school down.

“Government cannot do it all. We need to come in and help our universities and that’s why what Allen has done is commendable. We’re here to celebrate Allen for this wonderful edifice,” he added.