Striking lecturers has no doubt enjoyed public sympathy in what they
termed the struggle to save Nigeria’s educational system. For me, I
cogitate it was not a struggle that would be beneficial to Nigeria and
its Student, and this has not been countered or rendered
valetudinarian as recent unfolding events has further justified my
assertion.
Firstly, the much talked about 2009 agreement was described as a
memorandum of understanding which can be altered at any time if a
party to it feels he his not satisfied with any sections in it. To
buttress further, majority of the content if implemented will further
worsen and make mockery of the system.
Secondly, Asuu always make reference to politicians because they cart
millions every month. My question is, is it that they want to follow
thesame express of corruption or should they not be changing that
philosophy, and since when an academician be compared to a politician
whose stay is abruptly temporal?
Thirdly, if they claim they are fighting the course of the students,
how come they weren’t carried along.The so called asuu do not even
have regards for the students body at al, thesame students they claim
they are fighting for which is very unethical. This disindenuos act,
contumelious-audacity, extortionative and boisterous approach is no
way acceptable.
Not until when the FG showed the student body their demands that it
became obvious that their demands are self-centered, minacious and
chicanery to the system, as that which bothers the students are not on
top priority. Even with the release of 200bn, they are still keeping
on with the quiescent and lugubrious strike.
Fourthly, it was very unfortunate for a president to have a 13hrs
meeting, leaving other pressing state issues only for it to turn out
being an effort in futility which is no way acceptable. Even at that,
congresses carried out by member institutions voted for the outright
suspension of the stike only for the national body to suspend its Nec
meeting which was to ratify the outcome of the votes because they lost
a member, and this might be pardonable to some extent.
Again, after the mourning, they went secretely into meeting without
the knowledge of most of its members, and then coming out taciturn and
then later with another hamate,unwaranted and laughable demands. With
this, it was clear that the anus of the fowl has been blown open as
most members began to lose interest in the union’s quest because they
are no longer diaphanous.
However, with the directive coercing the opening of varsities by the
FG has played to be the only solution to this umpass because no
reasonable government would have watched its Ivory towers to be
remained shut even after five months which can lead to lebefaction.
This so called asuu are very good at shielding its members who have
been found wanting in relation with sexual harrassment of female
students, victimization of students, bribery, corruption, elopement
from classes etc from prosecution.
They claim that children of government officials do not school in
public varsity but they have equally forgotten that majority of their
children do not school in public varsity as well that is why they want
to jeopardise the ambition of the poor students. This sole action
could make them be misanthropist.
Recently, from all indications, it is certain that asuu has lost it, a
union which does not respect the wishes of its members cannot salvage
our educational system.
Also, government should always enter into an agreement they could
implement because they cannot be exonerated as impeccable from this
issue in plenitude.
Compendiously speaking, this strike has been irascible, acephalous,
noxious and devastating. So, my stern advice to them (asuu), is for
them to resume in their full capacity today as the ultimatum given to
them is different from what was obtained in the past. Infact if they
make mockery of it,.then they might be in for a shocker as the
government to me does not appear joking at all. If they don’t return
then they should be ready for other qualified tecnocrats to take over
their respective positions as most of them were not even qualified in
the first place. They should equally remember the case of the Unilorin
lecturers who were sacked years ago with no good news coming out
regarding that.
Finally, remember gratitude is the least of virtues, ingratitude is
the worst of vices, he that doth lend doth lose his friend, faint
heart never won a fair lady, where ignorance is bliss, its folly to be
wise.
From
Oshag. Kayode Tolu
Student, University of Benin, Edo State.