Opinions
ASUU: A Cog In Our Educational Wheel
ASUU: A Cog In Our Educational Wheel
By: Balami Lazarus
When I deliberately provoked a response to test the pulse of some Nigerians through one of my online groups, by number, we are only but a fraction compared to the nation’s population. The responses shows that Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is no longer relevant in the scheme of our educational system rather a cog in the wheel of Nigeria University System (NUS) stewing in the cauldron of the public universities for their selfish and greedy intentions.
What is the role of ASUU in the educational system? Nothing, except unnecessary demands that have become cyclical like Abiku of John Pepper Clark. “Coming and going these several seasons….” I can remember clearly as a young boy growing up in Zaria surrounded by academics and students, what was known to us in the academic community was students’ demonstrations and riots sparked off by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) students.
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That was the thing young men of my generation who had lived in Zaria can sadly tell you and not ASUU strikes. ASSU is the most disliked association in Nigeria going by their actions in recent times. They have spoiled, distorted and rubbished the academic calendar, delayed graduations, discouraged and killed the interest in going to public universities among young people. By the way, what are their contributions to nation- building? Only but cap in hand and strikes their DNA.
Infact, ASUU has run out of ideas and they are always on the saddle of strike thinking this is the only way out. They are also known for comparison and contrasting with other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) including what is obtainable in some other countries of the world. Were you forced to work in the university?
The proliferation of private universities in Nigeria- the good, the bad and the ugly. Technically, therefore, they are the causes for academic failures in public universities. Show me one singular impact of ASUU in the university educational system? As member(s) of ASUU are forced under duress to take up appointments with the university you are presently working with? Or was it under a gun point?
For me, and probably some other persons out there, your industrial action absolutely means nothing to me. Likewise other students of your institutions that have trade or vocational skills is a welcome development. It may interest you to know that among your members some are not happy with your ways. Having said this, I am pleading with ASUU to sincerely continue with the strike till thy kingdom comes.
* Balami, a Publisher/ Columnist 08036779290