June 10, 2022

University Strikes Leave Nigerian Students on the Edge

T The Nigeria’s Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have been on strike since February, 2022 and this has caused tremendous stress and worry for students in Nigeria. According to ASUU, its members are protesting the government's failure to fulfil a 2009 agreement that included better welfare packages and facilities for universities in Nigeria.

It also wants the government to use the University Transparency and Accountability Solution [UTAS] to pay the salaries of its members.

…the danger is that we will have potential students becoming uninterested in education… many have already lost interest, and it leaves the country in a shaky place…

National affairs analyst Alausa Issa Sanni said, “Strikes bring idleness to young people. The danger is that we will have potential students becoming uninterested in education. Many have already lost interest, and it leaves the country in a shaky place.” However, ASUU president Prof Emmanuel Osodeke says the strike is in the best interests of students. “The students are not being punished – what we are doing is fighting for the future of the Nigerian university system,” he was quoted as saying.

The strike has taken a huge toll on small businesses that depend on students. “When the students left, there was nothing to do other than close down. I’m eating into my savings, and I’m scared they may finish before the strike will be called off. I don’t know how things are going to pan out.” said a café owner who owns a café on the Ilorin campus.

While the talks are expected to resume again between teacher unions and the government, students in Nigeria are left in limbo, but are hopeful of a resolution being found soon.

Posted in News and tagged News, Nigeria, Students, ASUU, Academic Staff Union of Universities, UTAS, University Transparency and Accountability Solution
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