FG & ASUU : THE PUZZLING BLAME GAME; WHAT IS THE WAY FORWARD?

UMAR MUHAMMAD SHERIFF


The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), are still keen on displaying their "Alingo dancing" Opera house of wantrust. Despite the pale hurdles that await, Nigerian students have been the most drenched by this unbecoming antics of propaganda and counter - mellow balland.

Hereupon, Government has continuously failed to invest the needed funds into Education, particularly engaging and implementing the UNESCO 26% recommendation on this vital sector. Hithertofore, Nigeria tertiary institutions are still yet to get the needed resuscitation it requires; issues ranging from dilapidated buildings; poor welfare, congested hostels which in turn make students find solace in squatting in frigid floors and uninhabitable openings in hostel premises; non-inclusive ICT oriented curriculum, outdated curriculum devoid of 21st century best practices & emerging issues among others.

Conversely, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has continuously engaged the government from time immemorial for the better funding of Universities and lofty regards for the welfare of its members; more astonishing, through strike actions - "the only language government understands" - in its usual melodic shield. However, the demands of ASUU are not far-fetched, judging by Nigeria orthodox saying "Na where man work, na there e dey chop, " but to what end?

Manifestly, without the intention of this or that, strike has been the only option by the union for time immemorial to engage the government. The failure of the Academicians to bring forth new ideas or approaches to expressing members grievances and call for proper revitalization of public varsities without disrupting the academic calendar has unanimously earned the union a long-standing vendetta by the students, whose interests has longed been illy tramped upon, demeaned, abased and grossly abused! The general thoughts in large trepidation, has been, "Is there no other option?"

Consequently, in the aftermath of the melodrama - just like always - Academic affairs will be rushed and emphasis stir from understanding the core of a discipline to "reading to pour" or more sarcastically, "back to sender" hence, the stereotype, "Nigeria graduates are unskilled and unemployable..." with no savaging of the limping & underfunded system that produces the " unskilled graduates..."

Beyond this, an academic session has passed - coronavirus hiatus also in the interplay - tertiary institutions are still closed, Wednesdays & Fridays negotiations are still as slow as molasses in January; or more likened to a stage soliloquy.

The "annual holiday" should reignite a need for refocusing in combating the incessant perennial academic recess for development and national interest sake! We can't continue like this ! What is the way forward?

student should create a gofundme to help fund ASUU