The looming strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities(ASUU) months ago has always reached a non resolute, following the disagreement between the FG and ASUU.It is quite unfortunate that ever since the inception of strike by ASUU, Nigerian Students have always served as a BAIT in the actualization of the interests of both ASUU and FG.
There is no doubt that the revitalization of Universities is in a slow phase,as the Government gives a lesser priority to educational sector and ASUU on the other hand stands strictly for their own gains. Even though ASUU stood firm always to avoid fallen standard of Education, I wish to point out clearly that the vital aspect of Education is not just in erecting structures but also in learning, comprising of theories and practical.
The fight for UTAS, an initiative of ASUU aimed at achieving transparency within the Academic institutions and IPPIS aimed also at achieving transparency in civil services and offices of civil servants, can only be termed “An Egocentric Battle”, as None among the FG and ASUU care about the educational future of Nigerian students.
Day by Day, the Academic Staff Union Of Universities lament on the need for proper funding of our Universities but played key roles in the fallen standard of learning. It is absurd that the acts of lecturers, most especially the Senior lecturers has not only diminished Standards in education, but also lead to a gross increase in unemployment across our Academic institutions. How would a single lecturer lecture in five (5) different Universities (Visiting Lecturing) and expect to give maximum efficiency in the field?, how would opportunities belonging to teeming intellectual graduates both at B.sc and Masters levels still remain hanging just because one lecturer occupy spaces that should be given to unemployed experts in the field?.
I’ll say, ASUU’s refusal to accept IPPIS because it would surely have devastating effects on many lecturers is just a show of their egocentrism.
On the other hand, the government have always played a nonchalant role towards Academic institutions and Lecturers, infact they have done nothing else other than politicizing education, improperly funding Academic institutions, unreasonable payments to Academic Staffs and less concern over education, which always triggered Strike from ASUU.
If IPPIS was generally meant for civil servants across all governmental departments and agencies, why is ASUU refusing to be a part?. If ASUU lacks trust on the FG due to continuous failures of promises made and initiate UTAS, why is FG delaying in testing it’s integrity?.
In all of these, Nigerian Students suffer as they are the grass that suffers more while two giant elephants battle. Shouldn’t ASUU find a lasting and alternative solution rather than embarking on strike?, can’t the Government give a continous preferential treatment to Academic institutions as they play the greatest role in National Development?.
Both ASUU and FG are faulty on their parts and selfish in their dealings. The educational future of Nigerian university students shouldn’t be compromised.
#Let the egocentrism end now!.
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