Preparing for the next ASUU strike, before this one is over
ASUU) began what is declared would be indefinite strike since July 1. Negotiations to end it have so far gone nowhere. I wonder where we go from here, since every meeting ends in deadlock. Many of my friends in different universities were supposed to start their exams in July. I have a friend who is […]
ASUU) began what is declared would be indefinite strike since July 1. Negotiations to end it have so far gone nowhere. I wonder where we go from here, since every meeting ends in deadlock. Many of my friends in different universities were supposed to start their exams in July. I have a friend who is a final year student of Sociology in Benue State University (BSU). He had just two months to round off his programme to qualify for a B.sc degree. He is stuck at home now, working in a local restaurant, pounding yam and washing dishes.
There are frustrating many cases like his; there are worse ones too. Thanks to this strike.
ASUU has vowed it would not call off its strike until its demands are met; top on the list of the demand is the funding of universities, both state and federal.
Many articles have been written, and the question has always been: is strike the solution to the dilapidated state of our universities?
ASUU president is often heard to stress that the strike was for the benefit of students. According to him, in some universities, students stay in crowded hostels. That’s not unique though, because it has been my experience for years.
Religious leaders have pleaded on behalf of the students, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has on several occasions protested, and had given ASUU ultimatum, to no avail.
At this critical juncture, it would be helpful if ASUU and FGN returned to the negotiation table for the betterment of the students and the growth of this nation. It looks like both parties don’t feel the undeserved hell students are going through daily due to this strike.
One hopes that if and when a agreement is reached to end the strike, the parties will not breach its provisions. But while we wait for that, I still need to ask: Where do we go? Will this strike be the last we will ever experience? Or is it a foundation for the next one?
Ayodele Adenaiye, Depart-ment of Mass Communications, University of Maiduguri <[email protected]>;