Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu says only an irresponsible government fails to prioritise education.
The former Abia governor stated this in a Facebook post on Tuesday while lamenting the prolonged strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
ASUU commenced its ongoing strike on February 14, 2022 after the Federal Government failed to meet some of its demands namely; the release of revitalisation funds for universities, renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement, release of earned allowances for university lecturers, and deployment of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution payment platform.
Kalu expressed sympathise for students that have been forced to stay home because of the strike, noting that no responsible government should allow such to happen.
“I sympathise with Nigerian students who against their will are out of school due to the ongoing ASUU strike. I remember that while I was Governor of Abia state (199-2007), primary to university education was made free and affordable.
“My government invested a lot in education to encourage people to go to school.
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“The states and federal government are supposed to pay strict attention to education. It is irresponsible for any government to deny attention to education sector .
“I call on the universities and federal government to rally round and close ranks so that our students will leave the streets and go back to classes.
“The incessant strikes lead to delays in students’ graduation and slows down their life plans and life pursuits,” Kalu said.