Unionist laments lack of worthy successors

Ajaero, who spoke to journalists in Abuja, blamed “poverty deliberately created” by Nigeria’s ruling elite for the deterioration of values which, according to him, has adversely affected Nigerian student unions.He noted that the present crop of students that make up the leadership of the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) cannot fit into the union […]

Ajaero, who spoke to journalists in Abuja, blamed “poverty deliberately created” by Nigeria’s ruling elite for the deterioration of values which, according to him, has adversely affected Nigerian student unions.
He noted that the present crop of students that make up the leadership of the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) cannot fit into the union because of their approach to the struggle, unlike today’s unionists, who were also student activists during their time.
“Today, you wonder the recruitment process. If you are to replicate it, will you say you want to recruit the kinds of NANS you see today compared to the former ones that engaged General Ibrahim Babangida? When everyone left, it was only NANS that engaged him and the military.
“Even the place you want to recruit from, what is left of it? So whatever is happening in society has the tendency to reflect in other parts of it in labour, academics and others. The value system of graduates in Nigeria has been bastardised. You cannot do anyhow in those days. These days even when they know you are corrupt, they will celebrate and give you traditional title,” he said.