The Disagreement Between ASUU And The Federal Government -By Abdulganiyu Abdulrahman Akanbi

Without a doubt, the feud that broke out between the Federal government and the Academic Staff Union Of Universities(ASUU) is getting worse day after day. The bone of contention which led to the strike action by ASUU early this year was largely triggered by the introduction of the Integrated personnel Payroll Information System(IPPIS). However, industrial action has become a norm with the Nigerian University system. Strikes have been the incessant menace ravaging the quality and standard of our educational system so far.

Anytime soon, Federal universities are not resuming. By mere looking, it is very obvious. The crisis between the FG and ASUU is escalating deep beyond ordinary power and expectations. Both parties: FG and ASUU are adamant not to compromise. But one is more superior than the other.

Certainly, the former has the upper hand in winning this race. As a government, there are many destructive missiles that can be used to defeat ASUU. One of which -the best to them, the worst to ASUU- is stoppage of salary. The government has commenced the act already since February. Recently, the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation came out to inform Vice Chancellors of Federal universities of the latest development due to non-enrollment into IPPIS platform: Stoppage of salaries

On the other hand, the latter can’t win the race alone unless with the full support of the masses; students, parents, and other stakeholders. Also, Academic Staff of other higher institutions should be ready to support ASUU in this war. The fact that the Federal government is the employer of ASUU, ASUU has minimal chance to win, if not supported massively. ASUU’s voice is weak and to be successful in the fight, there is a need for public assistance.

Personally, it saddens my heart to see University lecturers leaving a low-key; miserable life unless having a business as an alternative despite their wealth of experiences and excessive contributions to the development of the nation intellectually, morally, and educationally. They deserve more than what they are offered.

As in business philosophy, one or more among the distribution channels suffer the loss of the business. In additional explanation, the producer or manufacturer; the Federal government, University lecturers; the wholesalers, the students; the retailers and final consumers; the general public. Also, the general aphorism holds that, when two elephants fight, the grasses suffer the most. In this, the strike does not only affect the students but also, the lecturers and the general public. Only the Federal government has nothing to lose.

To say the fact, it hurts me deeply seeing many students turning deaf to ASUU’s claims and clamours. Many students are brainwashed with doctored, concocted, cooked, and unadulterated lies sponsored, orchestrated, and launched to blackmail or malign ASUU. If ASUU wins, students will enjoy more opportunities. But in reverse, students are in serious doom; the strike action will continue.

In a capsulation message, we shouldn’t forget that ASUU can’t carry students’ loads on the head while theirs on hands. In their shoes, will you? Who will? No one! Even I would not. The bitter truth that needs to stay in our hearts. Although ASUU is not perfect absolutely in this situation on the ground, they are far better than the Federal government.

On the final note, the mentality thought and mindset of people towards ASUU needs to be changed. If ASUU can be able to succeed in this fight with the Federal government, the students will enjoy the benefits most.

Abdulganiyu Abdulrahman Akanbi is a 200 level student of Islamic Studies, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. He can be reached at 08063578823.