Need to tread with care

The glaring truth is that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) needs to look for a reasonable strategy to tackle the imbalances in the Nigerian educational system.

Strike as a strategy is no longer the way as it causes more harms than benefit to the system and consequently, the students.

This strategy is among the leading factors projecting the country negatively to the world in terms of poor quality of education. Due to strike actions, Nigeria’s educational institutions are still experiencing low ranking among the comity of educational institutions across the continent

Always, ASUU claims that the only language the Federal Government understands is strike action. They might be men of their words and may be right to an extent but on the other hand, strike is not taking us to a better destination. It doesn’t add value to educational system. In stark contrast, it is rather driving us back. It affects students most and takes their time.

Undoubtedly, educational systems of other countries are far ahead of Nigeria’s. Robust discussions should be held between the ASUU and the Federal Government. I believe both will say they are fighting for good, if asked. So, they should understand themselves and find a realistic and lasting solution. The government must be ready to honour the lecturers and consider their importance more than before. They should be men of their words by fulfilling outstanding promises. We also need to tell ASUU that strike is never a solution to correct imbalances in our educational system. This has been backed up with failures time without number. It is better to look for a promising alternative to strike because it is harmful to the nation’s educational sector and the students.

The Federal Government should understand that education is one of the first sectors that it should give serious attention to as it has been described as the bedrock of any development.

Abdulganiyu Abdulrahman Akanbi,

Sokoto.