Avoiding another ASUU strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had a protracted strike action occasioned by the non-commitment of the Federal Government to earlier agreements entered into with the academic union.

The strike action which started in March, 2020, continued till the end of the year before the strike action was called off. The joy of both students and parents knew no limit when students were asked to return to their schools of learning. With the loss of academic year and other allied consequences, one would have expected that a repeat of such industrial action by the union would be avoided by all cost by the Federal Government.

However, it is saddening that the union appears to be getting set for another round of industrial action following accusations that the Federal Government is yet to live up to expectation. ASUU has accused the government of deliberating refusing to pay the backlog of salaries and other emoluments being owed its members. Sadly, stakeholders in the Ministry of Education are yet to wade into the brewing crisis.

ASUU must not be allowed to embark on another round of strike action as this would worsen the already traumatic plight of students in government-owned universities. The Federal Government must be responsible by doing the needful. Education must be properly funded and this must be done with sincerity of purpose.

Funmilola Ayobami, Lagos.

Source: Nigerian Tribune