There are growing concerns, about the continous failure by the Federal Government and members of Academic Staff Union of Universities, to finding a lasting solution to the striking actions continously embarked by the union. It is becoming the bane on our educational system. Education is said to be the greatest assest of a nation and its best gift to succeeding generations. Ours seems to be the contrary. Repeatedly, actions from individuals as well as corporate institutions and even the government, suggest that in this part of the world, landed properties and heavy bank accounts are are all that matters. While developed countries spent billions of dollars in research and in their educational sector to build and prepare their young for the life and challenges ahead, we play politics with ours and show a lack of concern. The recorded successes are often tainted by the sad tellings of strike actions and insufficient funds to run the sector efficiently. Nigeria as a nation, is lagging behind so much that it is telling on the uncertainty of acquiring a degree within the stipulated years of training. In fact, students are not certain of the number of years they'd stay in school due to the continuous striking actions in recent years. Ancient wisdom teaches that knowledge is potential power; how much of it you posses is determinant on how powerful you become.
Teach our young or social vices would. Empower them with knowledge for the future or lawlessness would overpower them. Train them to be professionals in their chosen fields or you'd leave a country having hospitals with no doctors, schools with no teachers, court rooms with no lawyers and justices, banks with no bankers.
I call on all concerned! Men, women and children to help build an educational system that supports initiatives and productivity. Let us collectively hold our government and leaders of our educational sector accountable to empowering our educational system, so that one day, truly, the power of the pen will overcome the power of the sword.