The ongoing strike of the Academic Staff Union of Universities entered its fifth month this weekend and students and parents across Nigeria are very displeased with the lingering effect the strike is having on their lives.
Here is a cross-section of comments from some of them:
Preston Okereke (student): I think the government should find a solution to this strike because students are not getting any younger. The strike is giving some students room to engage in unserious acts. An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.
Badmos Olakemi (student): We are tired of the strike. We can’t continue to stay at home. Life is becoming unbearable for us.
I am supposed to be writing my first semester examination now, but that has been put on hold. I am broke because my parents have stopped giving me money. I am worried. Please, beg ASUU on our behalf so that we can return to school. Life at home is boring.
Ademola Adewole (parent): I have nothing to say anymore. Nigeria’s government and ASUU have proved that they don’t value the quality of education. That is why we have remained at home. Can you imagine this country where our leaders are playing politics with our future? It is unimaginable! It is obvious that this government lacks the will to take this country to greater heights.
Awele Blessing (student): ASUU strike? I have forgotten about the issue. I am about rounding off my vocational training in beautification and make-up. In fact, I am glad that universities are on strike because the situation has afforded me the opportunity to do what I would not have done ordinarily. Whether school resumes or not, honestly, I am not worried. The government should listen to ASUU. That is my take.
Adesina Johnson (student): I am frustrated. I am pained. The government is mortgaging our future. ASUU is not responsible.
We don’t even know who to trust as far as the issue is concerned. Why is it difficult for the Federal Government to listen to ASUU? Why is ASUU not considering the government’s offer? Life could not be more boring than it is right now. Students have been out of school for five months and nobody is raising an eyebrow about it. It is clear that this country’s future is in jeopardy.
Femi Babalola (student): There is nothing I or any other person can say that will change the course of things. Those who belong to the upper class are enjoying, while others are being fed with crumbs. ASUU should fight it to the finish. It should continue to press home its demands until they are met. These lecturers have wives and kids. They deserve to live a good life.
Politicians have spoilt this country. They are living fat on our resources, but they can’t pay the lecturers good money. The battle continues. I know it is affecting me because I am supposed to be writing my final exams now, but I don’t care. Let this issue be resolved now or never.
Grace Alabi (student): If, indeed, there was an agreement with ASUU by the Federal Government, the government should, for the sake of students and the future of this country, honour that agreement. It is baffling. Sometimes, I ask myself if this government really understands what it means to have a solid education sector. How long are we going to continue like this?
There is no hope for the youth of the country because there is no provision for them by the government.
Seun Hounge: My take is simple: ASUU is on track. They must not suspend the strike until they get at least 70 percent of their demands met. And I would expect NUT to take up the strike where ASUU leaves off. The rot in the education sector can’t be corrected at the tertiary level; it starts from the foundation. Government must increase funding of the educational sector.
Shola Pacheco, UK: My sibling was two weeks away from her final exam before the strike started. I think Nigeria has its fair share of problems but it is high time ASUU, as an association, got its act together and came to a reasonable agreement for the sake of the students. The government has quite failed, but what use has keeping these kids at home been? My sibling has missed her NYSC posting, and she is frustrated and angry about the system. When you know you have much to lose, you tread cautiously. ASUU can be on strike for two years, but nothing about the government will change. Get your act together ASUU!
No one fights all their battles at a go. Get the schools open, and fast.
Idowu Oyin (student): It is really unfair. This is a really bad situation and the government is not doing anything about it, maybe because their children are not in public universities. They don’t care about our welfare. It is good for them to reconsider this situation before worse things begin to happen.
Emmanuella Osee (student): This strike is making me lose my mind because I had about two months to be through with pharmacy school. It is more painful because the government can meet the demands of ASUU. I read newspapers a lot and I see how money is spent without a care in the world by this same Nigerian government. I implore the Federal Government to meet ASUU’s demands. I also know that ASUU is not just fighting the cause of students, but they also have personal interests.
But, let’s ask ourselves: why won’t they have personal interests? They work harder and earn less; in fact, nothing compares to ‘our ogas at the top.’ The government should meet the demands and restore sanity to the education sector.
Bayo Aderibigbe (student): I am enjoying the strike. I have been travelling around, doing business.
See more responses at Tribune