Amidst ASUU strike: How promising Nigerian students were able to utilize the unending break -By Taofeeq Imam

Despite the plight of Nigerian students over the ongoing strike embarked upon on the 14th of February, 2022 by the academic staff union of universities (ASUU) which immediately followed by a total , indefinite , comprehensive strike which began on 29 August , 2022 with no end insight.,  Some sets on Nigerian students get skilled, while some earns money massively amidst the break.

The union embarked on the strike due to the failure of federal government to meet her demands. The union chairman , Professor Emmanuel Osodoke has recently disclosed the demands that has to be met before the suspension of the strike,  clearly stated that the union expresses her worries over the failure of government and its nonchalant attitude towards the education sector .The Quick resolution of the Ongoing strike are being listed below:

 Immediate signing of the June 2022 Draft Agreement.

Adoption and deployment of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) as salary payment platform for university staff in place of IPPIS.

 Immediate release of N170bn to complete one tranche of Needs Assessment Revitalisation Fund in line with the 2020 MoA to put a closure to the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement.

 Immediate release of N50bn to complete the payment of arears of Earned Academic Allowances in line with the 2020 MoA to put a closure to the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement.

 Release of Government’s White Papers on the 2021 Visitation Panels’ reports to Federal Universities.

Intervention on the Draft Bill for empowering NUC to curb proliferation of universities, especially by State Governors.

Payment of withheld salaries of Since March 2022.

Due to the prolonged strike some dedicated Nigerian students have made use of this period to add a positive contribution to their knowledge while some made use of this available period to earn money which might not be possible for them while in school.

Speaking with Muhammad Abubakar, an Undergraduate medical student at Usmanu Danfodiyo University , Sokoto expresses how the break has been wonderful to him and give thanks to Allah , he has his own ways of replenishing back our losses. 

 “Actually the ASUU strike has been so wonderful to me I don’t know for others but I will say Allah doesn’t border soul what isn’t fit for him/her, we consider it as khair( blessings) I would like to say indeed Allah is merciful…” Muhammad Narrated.

In an Interview with Abdulganiyu Abdulrahman, a victim of Asuu Strike also lamented how he has benefited a lot amidst this strike .

“I have benefited a lot during the strike. As a freelance journalist, I’m able to face the profession and produce many stories which I can’t do whenever academic activities are on. Also, I’ve attended many virtual and physical trainings which academic activities might not allow me to do supposing there is no strike.”  He said…

On a telephone call with Rodiah Opeyemi Galadima , An undergraduate student who hails from faculty of education, UDUS said It has been an advantage for her to explore in her teaching profession as an undergraduate student , Galadima whose hobby has always been impacting knowledge on little children teaches in a private school near residence .

“Alhamdullilahi the break has been of helpful to me , I explore more in my teaching profession which I also doubled as a freelance fashion designer which might not be possible for me to do while the school academic activities is on. Although , I am unhappy about the strike because it delays my stay on campus and I pray and hope both parties come into an agreement more sooner than expected”…She Prays.

On a chat with Abdulbasit Yusuf Huzaifah , an Undergraduate Plant Biology student expresses his feelings towards the strike .

 “Though, I felt sad about the strike in the sense that had it been am certified,  opportunities which I came across amidst this strike wouldn’t have been left untouched which mostly requires a B.Sc certificate” .

“Alhamdullilahi , I still have to thank Allah who has made it possible for me to engage myself in an entrepreneurship activities which I doubled as an apprentice from where I stopped before leaving for school , sadly it affected a lot of idle students but we hope all these shall come to Past”….he hopes…

In addition to these , A popular Radio F.M in Ilorin, Kwara state popularly known as Sobi F.M 101.9 held a programme which started at exactly 11:00 on the Thursday,  8th September 2022 , with the presence of the ASUU chairman University of Ilorin, Professor Salaudeen Ajao who happens to be the interviewee expresses the union feelings over the failure of federal government to put an end to the ongoing strike, while being asked reasons why ASUU are not being considerate enough to shift a ground and put an end to the strike since the students bears the brunt at the end .

“Shifting  ground can only be possible if there is an offer on the negotiating table. The public expresses their anger on us thinking we purposely hold down the academic calendar, I also have my children at public universities which they happens to be a victim of the strike, all we’re demanding for is the betterment of education system , we hope the public get educated about that soon”…he said .

The federal government has recently recommended 14 Men to review the “No work,  No pay policy “the hope of Nigeria students doubled as the committee of Vice chancellors and pro chancellors promised to negotiate with ASUU on federal government’s offer so as to put an end to the ongoing strike which will enable the students get back to school , The meeting was held at the National Universities Commission in Abuja on the 6th of September , 2022

 We hope to meet with them soon” CVCS stated…

Taofeeq Imam is an undergraduate student at Usmanu Danfodiyo University , Sokoto.

He can be reached via: imamimamtk@gmail.com or 07065794390.