With almost Six Month into the strike action of the Academic Staff Union Of Universities, Students all over the Country have no hope of getting back to school soon; even as Festus Keyamo- Minister of State for Labour and Employment informed Nigerians that the Federal government can not borrow money to give to ASUU.
Daily News correspondent- Bimbo Ewaoluwa samples views of some students in Nigeria. According to her report, it shows that most of these students have lose hope in Federal Government resolving the prolonged ASUU Strike.
John Folasayo, a 300 level Student of Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomoso said "I don't think ASUU can call off this Strike soon, and Federal Government isn't making positive progress yet." He however clarified how he feels about the strike. In his own opinion, he said the ASUU Strike did not move him. Though he said he is almost in his final year. "ASUU is making reasoning points, all these are for the betterment of the Education sector in Nigeria, so I support the action"
While reacting, Ahmed Nurudeen said the strike is a waste of time for him. "Take a look at me now, I'm a 500 level Student, moving towards my final semester before ASUU Strike comes in. Walahi, I kw expect ham". Ahmed schools in Amadu Bello University Zaria, he said he intended to school in the South-West before, but later did change of School when he was not offered Admission to study Law in University of Ibadan because he was a mark below the cut-off. No doubt, the University of Ibadan is a prestigious institution in the South-West, and the school is known for her excellent achievements and structured merit admission mode.
To other Students, they find the strike as a unique blessing in disguise; just as some of them claimed they are making good use of the season.
According to Adedotun Charity, a 300 level Student of Engineering in Federal University of Technology FUTA, Akure, she said "This Strike comes right in time for me. Before the strike, I was thinking of learning handiwork before, not until the strike comes. Now I have enough time to learn my work." Charity said though Education is good, but she buttressed that learning handiwork will make her self-reliant because she is not ready to work under anyone.
When asked if ASUU should call off the strike in few days, she said "I know that can only happen by magic. ASUU can not call off the strike any moment from now. But, should it happen, I have no option than to return to school."
In a different opinion, Amaka, who said she is a graduate of university of Lagos said she feels for the students. But, she expressed her worries as to how the Lecturers are copping with the non-payment of their Salaries. "I pity the students, I have also be in their shoes before. But, for FG to withhold salaries of the Lecturers is quite unfair," she said.
With the ASUU Strike at its Sixth Month and no positive response from Federal Government yet, Nigerian Students will continue to be locked out of school.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU has been on strike since February 14, 2022. Top on their demands include, but not limited to: Payment of earned allowances, re-vataliazation fund for Varsities, adoption of University Transparency and Accountability Solution, UTAS Payment.
In his reaction to the Strike, minister of state for Labour and employment, Festus Keyamo said students should start appealing to ASUU to consider and call off the strike because Federal Government can not borrow money to settle ASUU.