Incessant ASUU strike: The way forward

The main reason for the incessant industrial action which necessitates the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to down tools is found on a solid ground where the government can implement their demands for the betterment of the system. The two parties have extensively discussed and reached out an agreement on this issue since 2009 but it is all talk and no action from the side of the Federal Government. I wonder why the government is agreeing on things that seem not implementable just to make the university lecturers to go back to the classes; this is quite unfortunate.

Although, the Federal Government is between the devil and deep blue sea on this issue because when it implements ASUU’s demands, many labour unions within and outside the education sector will start their agitations as none of them is satisfied with the condition of their services in Nigeria. Therefore, it seems to be a reason that the government is technically thwarting and manipulating the process so that it will not be at the receiving end in this debacle.

Hither, it is the best time for the government to jump off the deep end and quit this matter but it lacks the political will to do so. Unarguably, the government is alarmed by the vicious fallout, therefore the implementation of the already signed Memorandum of Understanding or whatever renegotiation is difficult, but the government is strategic enough to manipulate ASUU to go back to classes without their demands been implemented. In this sense, we can predict more strike actions. God forbid.

The best way to tackle this problem perpetually is to enforce tuition fees or to privatise the universities. This decision may seem to be boring but it is the best solution to this unending industrial action which deprives students of their future. Unequivocally, there will be a set-back in the effort of students from the lower class to pay for tuition and other utilities, but the government should bring very salubrious and inclusive students loan scheme that will enable students to lend from the government’s treasury without knowing anybody. This decision is workable as it works in many countries. May Nigeria prosper.

Isma’il Alkasim, Garki, Jigawa State.