The lingering strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is quite worrisome and needs resolution because “an investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” The federal government has enough funds to meet the demands of ASUU since the amount they are requesting is to be used in improving the standard of public universities in Nigeria.
ASUU as a potent union has been fighting for qualitative education in Nigeria. But our successive governments have not accorded priority to the sector as a result of which the country’s education system suffers from many deformities and neglect.
Nigerian government claimed they have met almost 80 percent of ASUU’s demands but there is no evidence about this claim. ASUU has challenged the government about this claim, saying there it is false .
However, the government has to negotiate with the ASUU to end the protracted strike and allow students to return to school. If care is not taken this issue can make students to take to crime.
Education is not opportunistic, rather is a right for every individual and should be treated with conscience and as utmost national importance. There is an adage that, “When you pick a book, you will have to drop a gun.”
ASUU deserves accolades and thumbs up from the Nigerian students for enduring all the hardship and turmoil to struggle for the survival of university education in Nigeria. At least, through the struggle of ASUU children of the poor can afford to attend public universities in this country.
Nelson Mandela reminds us that, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” So, tell me how we can change our country through education when our universities are closed for half a decade? Nigerian government should do the needful in meeting the demands of ASUU so that our children will go back to their campuses.
“Show me a family of readers, and I will show you the people who move the world.” That’s what Napoleon Bonaparte said concerning education as a tool for national development. So, is the government ready to uplift this nation by giving its citizens good and qualitative education?
Food for thought!
Muhammad Umar Shehu,
Katsina, Katsina state
[email protected],
08035794769
