The Nation Newspaper

Category: Campus Life

  • Mission to end ASUU strike

    Mission to end ASUU strike

    A week after they visited the Sultan of Sokoto and Emir of Zazzau in Sokoto and Kaduna states to seek their intervention in the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike, students of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), last Tuesday, took their campaign to the Emir of Katsina.

    Led by Abubakar Aliyu Rafindadi, president of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), they also visited the Galadima of Kano to urge the monarchs to prevail on the government and ASUU to embrace peace.

    No fewer than 60 students converged in front of the SUG secretariat at 7:30am for the mission. By 9am, they left the secretariat for Katsina to see Alhaji Abdulmumeeni Kabir Usman.

    There was a mild drama between the protesters and security guards at the palace when they arrived in a convoy at 12:30pm. They were prevented from entering the palace because the students were singing Aluta songs.

    It took the intervention of senior officials of the palace to douse the tension, and the students were allowed to see the emir on the ground that they stop singing.

    Addressing the Emirate Council, Abubakar said the students were in the palace to seek the emir’s intervention in the protracted ASUU strike. He said: “We are here to formally lodge our complaint against the Federal Government and our lecturers, who are out to make good future impossible for us and by extension the country.”

    Abubakar argued that since education remained focal point of the government’s Transformation Agenda, President Goodluck Jonathan should make provision for adequate funding of sector to improve quality. He said the lecturers’ action was not helping the already bastardized system, urging ASUU to look for another means in agitating for its demands. He told the monarch to intervene in the crisis to save Nigeria’s education from total collapse.

    Responding, Alhaji Usman commended the students for using peaceful means in channeling their grievances. He said: “This first step you have taken is the right step; you followed the due process as Islam religion prescribed. Instead of taking to violence, you all came in peace and harmony and we must hear what you have to say and show sympathy.”

    The emir regretted that the quality of education remained on a steady decline, saying what is seen in public institutions today never happened in the past. He noted that there was emphasis on quality in the past while hostels and classrooms were conducive for learning. “Today, hostels are not even habitable; everything is dilapidated. Even though the country faces several problems, bad education remains the greatest threat to the progress of any society,” he said.

    Alhaji Usman assured the students that he would channel their grievances to the authority and do follow up. He told the students to remain peaceful in their demonstration to prevent hoodlums from hijacking the protest. He said he would do all within his capacity to ensure that the government and ASUU return to the negotiation table and resolve the issues.

    Abubakar later presented the students’ protest letter to the emir.

    The students arrived in Kano at 6:30pm. Their meeting with Galadima of Kano, Alhaji Tijjani Hashim, was brief.

    After Abubakar explained the reason for the vsist, Alhaji Hashim assured the students that he would brief the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, about their complaints. He said he would ensure that a documented copy of the students’ grievances would be handed over to the Vice President Namadi Sambo, for action.

  • Counselling Dept wins maiden soccer contest

    Counselling Dept wins maiden soccer contest

    The Department of Guidance and Counselling at the Adekunle-Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) has won the maiden Champions League competition of the institution. They defeated the Male Hostel by 3-2 on penalties after the match ended goaless in regulation time.

    The Director of Sports of the AAUA Students’ Union Government, Betiku Tolulope, praised the students for a peaceful tournament.

    “I want to specially thank to everyone for participating in this great tournament. It is not an easy task to bring young people together in the spirit of friendship. Most times, things go awry and violence would ensue. But in our case, things went well and everyone is happy about the competition. So, I urge all of us to continue to be good ambassadors of this great institution.’’

    A member of Team Male Hostel, Olumide Akinbi, a 200-Level student of Industrial Chemistry said despite their loss, the tournament was a success. “I felt so bad that we were eventually defeated. We had a great game and we could have won the match but technical hitches dimmed our chances of winning. All the same, I want to congratulate the winners because they equally did very well. At the end of the day, you will agree with me that everyone is a winner,” he stated.

     

  • Experts task govt on crop improvement

    The Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has organised a five-day international conference with the theme, The role of Crop Science in the agricultural transformation agenda of Nigeria.

    The event was held in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research, Benin City (NIFOR) and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture IITA, Ibadan, Oyo State.

    The Head of Department, Prof Paul Baiyeri, said the annual conference was organised to promote agricultural revolution in the country and increase the nation’s prospects in crop production.

    Prof Michael Uguru noted that the government must support mechanised farming, adding that it would address the challenge of food crisis.

    “Unless adequate plans are made to expose students to the practical aspects of their course of study, unemployment would continue to rise. Students must be encouraged and trained in modern farming methods to drive sufficient food production across the country. That is an effective way to tackle the problem of unemployment that is prevalent in the country,” he said.

    The Minister of Agriculture Dr Akinwumi Adesina, who was represented by Christian Idoko, said his administration is ready to improve agricultural production in the country through partnership between local and international farmers with government.

    He added that his administration was working to tackle the problems of agriculture in Nigeria.

    Baiyeri said that educational institutions should place a high premium on practical training, adding that many graduates lack practical knowledge of their disciplines.

    A magazine, which covers different areas on crop production, was launched.

    Prof Uguru urged participants to encourage farmers in their communities to practice mechanised agriculture.

    IITA Coordinator of Cassava Transformation unit, Mr Richardson Okeckukwu, commended the organisers, adding that attention should be given to crop improvement. Okechukwu said farmers should be adequately empowered to boost the nation’s agriculture and create employment for the citizens.

    Participants who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE said government and stakeholders should address the problem of bad road networks, shortage of farm implements and inadequate capital to enable farmers to embark on mass food production.

     

  • ‘NANS has become a tool for politicians’

    Why did you join students’ unionism?

    It is because I have the passion to serve my fellow students and be their voice, so that they can be heard. I want to make sure that their welfare is guaranteed every time.

    What are your objectives?

    I want to give a voice to students. I also want to take the association of Abia students to a level where it will be respected by the government and the people as the mouthpiece of youths. Through our activities, we want to ensure that the Abia State government implements policies that will make the less-privileged among us to be proud of being an indigene of the state. I have also said my administration would pursue the disbursement of bursary and scholarship to students so that the indigent among us can go to school.

    Is there hope that the Abia government would pay bursary?

    Of course! In fact, it is not being hoped for; it is being implemented. Since the creation of the state in August 1991, no government has deemed it necessary to pay bursary to students. This is why we must commend Governor Theodore Orji for taking steps to address students’ issues. So, we know the governor keeps promises and that we are expecting that he would not renege on his promise on bursary.

    What are the challenges of leading Abia State students?

    The challenges are enormous. But I must confess that the students are one of the challenges. Everyone expects to be attended to with the speed of light; they don’t even bother that we are also students. However, the greatest challenge has been funding. Notwithstanding, we have been trying our best and it is evident in the peace we have experienced since we were sworn in.

    Do you think the association has fared better under Governor Orji?

    Much of the success we have recorded was achieved because of the support and understanding of the governor, who is running a student-friendly administration. There has never been anytime we called on him on students’ issues and he ignored us. He has shown that he is a father to us. To show that he is serious about students’ welfare, he appointed one of us, Comrade Afulike Christian, as Special Adviser on Students’ Matters. But then, there are other promises including a bus to make running the association easy. We hope he will keep his promise.

    What is your opinion on NANS crisis?

    NANS is being turned to a political organisation, where money is playing a major role. It is painful to see this kind of things happening to a noble association that had played a vital role in democratic struggle of the nation. I am a member of NANS and I would not be happy hearing unprintable things about the association. It is even painful that the association is now being used by politicians for hooliganism. I use this medium to implore NANS officials to resolve their differences and chart a common agenda for students.

    What is your advice for Abia students?

    Let them be steadfast in their academic pursuit. They must continue to be law-abiding and diligent in everything they do because the future belongs to us. They must know that there is no sweet without sweat.

     

  • Ajimobi: Changing the face of Oyo

    Change is the only permanent thing, says a popular maxim. However, the road to change is always rough, unattractive but beneficial in the end. Little wonder then the late activist, Tai Solarin, reverberated the dictum “May my road be rough” on his birthdays.

    The tendency to bemoan change is human, for we are always pessimistic about its aftermath. The attitude of our people in the Pacesetters State to the wind of change in Oyo State is not unexpected as it is not farfetched from the natural reaction of man to most changes in the world.

    The similitude between a change process and an uncompleted castle explains why people don’t desire to live in it. Hence, experience has shown that those who say “change is all we need” are always found objecting it innocently, for it comes in ugly disguise.

    But how long shall the good people of Oyo State continue to be arrested by fear of change? Perhaps, this explains why Governor Abiola Ajimobi decided to take the bull by the horn in tackling the problem of poor infrastructure in the state. We should not be quick to forget the tragedy of Monday June 25, 2012, at Apata-Ganga area of Ibadan, when a high-tension cable fell and killed seven people trading beneath it.

    In a similar development, on August 26, 2011, an early morning downpour destroyed lives and properties in the state. The list is still long and the memories are sad to remember. Though, there were some natural explanations for these disasters, but it is also factual that humans played some significant role in giving them vents to occur.

    And as a unionist, I believe the palliative actions being put in place towards forestalling the possibility of future reoccurrences of these disasters are not out of point, especially by asking people living in the flood prone areas and places susceptible to all forms of danger to vacate to avoid losing more lives as construction and reconstruction works are being done all over the flood-prone areas.

    Apart from these, that the governor is working towards making Oyo State beautiful and enviable among other states. This is commendable on the ground that a conducive environment will attract foreign investments and speed up socio-economic development. But all these positive changes cannot be achieved if we all stick to the philosophy of permanence. However, this is not to say that efforts of Ajimobi in making the state better are not without faults.

    It must be known that people’s feeling should be considered in the development blueprints of the governor. It must be said that destroying business structures before providing alternatives is a case of the cart before the horse. Of course, there is no gain without pain, but government has the responsibility to always make palliatives ready before implementing policies capable of inflicting pain on the masses.

    However good and development-oriented the intentions of Ajimobi may look, the manner with which the policies are implemented has given room for misinterpretation and misrepresentation by the opposition, who camouflage as peoples’ sympathisers. But the question is whether these people dared to orchestrate progress or implemented better policies when they had the opportunity to govern the state. Their era, which put development in static motion, is still fresh in our memories.

    I must not fail to sympathise with people that may have been unavoidably affected with the on-going transformation in Oyo state. Our elders say: “Circumcision is greeted with a lot of pains but when healed it becomes fashionable.” I commend Ajimobi for compensating, reasonably, all affected persons, especially those whose structures were deconstructed to pave way for significant projects.

    History has it that no nation has ever developed without going through the ugly process of change. Hence, I insist that what we are witnessing presently in the state is progress and urge the people to be calm and beware of politicians whose stock in trade is discrediting without pinpointing the positives side, while I also charge the governor to work better on implementation strategies in the subsequent policy planning.

    Babatunde is the president, Students’ Union Government, UI

  • Which way Nigeria?

    Nigeria, a melting pot of many languages and people of diverse cultures, is well known among the comity of nations. This is due to the abundance crude oil and other natural resources beneath its soil; its population size and talent in sporting event. With all these qualities and values, development remains elusive in the country.

    There are different opinions on the cause of the nation’s inability to develop. The country has been experiencing recurring developmental issues but the approaches adopted by our leaders to tackle the problems remain the cause of the problems.

    For long, the debate will continue on whether Nigeria is on developmental path or not, despite the seemingly infrastructural improvement in some parts of the country. Though some credit should be accorded the present administration in some areas, but speaking fairly, a lot needs to be done. It is really hard to believe that Nigeria is growing as stated in a report of the Ministry of Finance because no growth is seen in the lives of the citizens.

    History attests to the fact that Nigeria is battling to survive due to some unending challenges facing the country and the weak approaches deployed by the government in solving these problems. Lately, the country has witnessed in large scale insecurity, poor funding of education, unstable power supply, corruption, kidnapping and terrorist attacks.

    We wake up to witness failures of governance in virtually all sectors of the country. This has given teeth to the hopelessness being felt across the land, especially by the low-income earners whose lives are wholly dependent on the outcome of government policies. The saying that “the poor get poorer and the rich get richer” appears to be a concept that engulfs our society. While the poor manages to eat in a day, the rich is wasting the food.

    Nigeria, since independence, has been ruled by different dispensations of civilians and uniform men. Under each regime, it was hoped that the country would transform to a safe haven, but the reverse is the case. Monies meant for public good are siphoned, resources are looted, financial records are falsified, public funds are diverted to personal accounts, oil wells are coveted and good governance farfetched. Virtually, nothing has really changed.

    We live in a country where governmental policies are enacted to favour a section of the citizens. Today, populace can no longer have a voice; public opinion has long been thrown to the winds. At times, the change in policy may be accompanied by promises which would later appear impossible to achieve. The subsidy removal is a good example. Today, the so-called palliative measures to keep the citizens going after fuel subsidy removal has become invisible.

    A close look at the Nigerian case shows that future is bleak for the country if the trend continues. As I write this, most public universities are on strike. Who knows the idle students are capable of doing?

    As it is widely known, the youths constitute the greater percentage of our population. But with the seeming unending case of unemployment, the youths are virtually in the state of dependency due to unemployment. This has continued to breed violence, insurgency, armed robbery and kidnapping, vices which are denting the image of the country.

    Some who have ventured into a small scale business to sustain themselves are finding it difficult due to the continued paralysis of the power sector.

    Today, it is not uncommon to hear a citizen saying: “everything in Nigeria is politics”. This sends out a negative message because politics is totally seen as a dirty game, a notion evident in the ongoing ‘civil war’ in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The case of Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the Rivers State crisis have dominated the cover page of many news papers. But are these good signals for a country that wishes to go forward? The country needs Messiah, but when will he come?

    A change of policies, a change of government, a change of leaders and particularly, a change of thinking is al we need to move forward. Whoever is in government should try as much to put the public interest over personal consideration. We all hope to live and see a better Nigeria, a country where equality reigns supreme and citizens enjoy economic stability, adequate security, quality education, job opportunities, good and steady power supply. Until these are met, we shall continue to wander in the wilderness. We can make a difference with change in thinking. I believe this.

     

    Obianuju, 500-Level Environmental Resource Management, UNICAL

     

  • Corps member seeks executors of MDGs projects

    The people of Uwanse community in Cross River State have benefited from a health sensitisation and skills acquisition training programme. It was organised by a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Amarachi Kalu as part of his Community Development Service (CDS). This is in line with her duty as a NYSC/Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) volunteer and Development Knowledge Facilitator.

    Free anti-malaria drugs and mosquito nets were distributed to residents of Uwanse community. There were also free medical check-up for pregnant women, provision of worm expellers to children and skills training sessions were held on how to make soap and detergents.

    On what inspired the project, Amarachi said: “One of the cardinal objectives of the MDGs is to eradicate poverty and hunger and to combat malaria and other diseases. After carrying out a need assessment survey in Uwanse community, I discovered that most youths are unemployed and there is also a prevalence of malaria among dwellers. Consequently, I felt the need to contribute my quota towards making the community a better place for the residents.

    In his opening remark, chairman of Calabar South Local Government Area, who was represented by the vice-chairman, Hon Francis Asuquo, praised the Corps member, pledging the council’s continued support for such projects.

    NYSC Co-ordinator in the state Nkereke Ibangha said the event was part of the ways NYSC is partnering MDGs in its advocacy campaigns.

    He said: “This is a laudable project that tells how far the NYSC/MDGs Advocacy programme has gone. We are committed to building communities and eradicating poverty and diseases. We sincerely appreciate the convener of this project, Amarachi, for the good work. I urge young people across the country to engage in beneficial tasks like this.”

    He urged the people of Uwanse to cooperate with Corps member in the state, saying it will help to them to do more for the community.

  • LUTH wins fourth Nursing Games

    The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) have held the fourth Nigerian School of Nursing and Midwifery Games (NISONMG) at the University of Lagos Sport Centre.

    No fewer than 10 nursing schools in the Southwest participated in the games. The event, which was hosted by the School of Nursing of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), lasted for one week. Team LUTH emerged overall winner with 16 gold medals, 15 silver and six bronze. Baptist School of Nursing in Saki, Oyo State, was second with eight gold, six silver and six bronze and Team Ado Ekiti came third with six gold, one silver and four bronze.

    Others on the medal list were Team Obafemi Awolowo University, Team Adekunle-Ajasin University, Akure; Bowen University (BU) School of Midwifery, Akure; University College Hospital, Ibadan; School of Nursing; Osogbo and School of Nursing, Eleyele.

    Meanwhile, the Zonal Coordinator of NISONMG, Dr Steve Olarinoye, said that the purpose of the yearly competition is to discover sporting talents and promote unity among nursing students in the country. “Just like NIPOGA or NUGA, the aim of NISONMG is to reach out to the grassroots for talents because we believe that we have talented students who can represent the country in global tournaments. We also want our students to participate in sports apart from taking care of patients. This would foster unity and their wellbeing.’’

    A student who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, Olarinoye, said that this year’s tournament was better than the last edition, saying that the organisers were able to convince more schools to participate in this year’s games. “I feel fulfilled for the overall success of this competition. This year’s game was obviously better than the last edition. More talents emerged this time and that is exciting for us. The participation was equally massive. The organisers did a fantastic job,’’ he said.

    One of the participants, Oluwasanmi Damilola, a second year student of School of Nursing at the University College Hospital, Ibadan (UCH) said: “For me, it is a privilege representing my school. So I feel very happy to be part of history. It is fun meeting different people with similar love for sports. NISONMG gives us the opportunity to explore our talents. For me, that is commendable.’’

    However, she noted that, depite the success of the competition, there were arears that need to be improved. “The organisers should put in more efforts in planning when the next edition rolls around next year. This edition was a little sloppy. They did not keep to time. That is not good enough. Such hitches should be prevented in the coming edition.”

  • ASUU strike will end soon – NUC chief

    ASUU strike will end soon – NUC chief

    The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Julius Okojie, on Wednesday said he is confident that the protracted strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) will soon be called off.

    Okojie, who spoke in Abuja at a media parley with journalists, said the commission was doing everything within its powers to ensure a speedy resolution of the issues raised by ASUU so that students could return school.

    “We are part of the system and we understand the issues, we are meeting with members of the union all the time and the issues are being tackled.

    “So, we are optimistic the strike will soon be called off and our children can go back to school in the shortest possible time.’’

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that he also reacted to the call by ASUU for NUC to be scrapped, saying “the call is not in good faith as the commission has not gone to sleep over its duties.”

    Also speaking on the recurrent disagreements between the commission and some professional bodies over accreditation and running of certain courses by some universities, Okojie acknowledged that there were issues that needed to be resolved between both parties.

    “There is no country in the world where regulatory bodies and professional bodies go to regulate at the same time.

    “So, it is true we are having problems with professional bodies in carrying out our mandate, but the issues too will soon be resolved and we can move on.

    The executive secretary, who said the commission had closed many faculties not fit to run courses in certain universities, admitted that; “it is not easy to be a regulator.”

    According to him, the commission was “silently regulating the system’’ having to also pay professional fees and encourage professors to do accreditation.

     

  • Sultan to govt, ASUU: end the strike

    Sultan to govt, ASUU: end the strike

    Tired of staying  at home because of the ongoing Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike, some students of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, Kaduna State, have visited the Sultan of Sokoto and the Emir of Zazzau to express their frustration. ABDULRAHAMAN ZAKARIYAU (300-Level Mass Communication) reports.

    WHEN will the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike, which enters its 81st day today, end? Nobody seems to know, but what is certain is that students are tired of staying at home because of the strike. To show their anger, some students of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, Kaduna State, have sought the help of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar and the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris, in getting ASUU to call off the strike.

    They carried placards with inscriptions, such as: “FG/ASUU must shift ground to avoid danger”; “FG must be reasonable, ASUU must be considerate”; “We are tired of staying at home”; “We may be forced to be violent in our demonstrations”; “Prolonged strike is a government’s irresponsibility at its peak, ASUU stubbornness at its height” and “Failed education, failed Transformation Agenda”. They took to the streets, protesting their teachers’ action.

    The procession could be mistaken for a religious exercise as the students were in Muslim flowing gown and kaftan. Some wore babanriga. The female students, who wore hijab, trailed their male counterparts.

    The demonstrators were led by Abubakar Rafindadi Aliyu, president of ABU’s Students’ Union Government (SUG). They said they were expressing their frustration over the protracted ASUU strike. The university teachers are fighting the Federal Government over the implementation of the 2009 agreement, which highlights ways of improving tertiary education.

    Abubakar, who addressed the students at 11:50am, said: “We must speak out loud to traditional rulers and urge them to intervene in the ongoing ASUU strike. We need to propagate the interest of Nigerian students. It is with hope and prayers that we would coordinate ourselves peacefully and speak to our religious and traditional rulers to come to our aid.”

    At noon, they left for the palace of the Emir of Zazzau in four different 14-seater buses and five cars. Chanting solidarity songs, they moved peacefully into the palace to urge the monarch to prevail on the ASUU to end the industrial action in the students’ interest.

    The students were allowed to see the emir a few minutes after 1pm.

    Expressing his colleagues’grievances, Abubakar said: “Your Highness, we regard you as a royal father, which is why we came to you today to bring forward our complaints and report the government and ASUU that are working to destroy our future. We want your Highness to use your goodwill to intervene on behalf of students.”

    Responding, Alhaji Idris said traditional institutions in the North had tried to resolve the issue, adding: “The traditional rulers and parents are more worried than all of you.”

    Describing the students as future leaders, Alhaji Idris said: “That is why we want you to be well trained. And if there is any hitch or anything that would prevent you from acquiring education, nobody will be happy to see it happening without acting to stop it.”

    The monarch assured the students that the traditional rulers would do everything to ensure that the strike is called off, advising them to continue to fight for their rights in a peaceful manner.

    The students left the emir’s palace at 2:35pm and proceeded to the secretariat of the ABU chapter of ASUU. They were addressed by the chairman, Dr Mohammed Kabir Aliyu, after singing solidarity songs for several minutes.

    Abubakar told ASUU officials that they were angry about the continued closure of universities, adding students would embark on advocacy to achieve reconciliation between ASUU and the government.

    Aliyu explained that if government could inject funds into the system, ASUU would call off the strike, saying the money would be used to build new infrastructure to replace the outdated facilities in public schools.

    At 6am last Tuesday, over 40 students, including members of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) and Nigerian Fellowship of Christians Students (NFCS), gathered to take the demonstration to the Seat of the Caliphate. At 12:10pm, they arrived at the Sultan’s palace.

    Addressing the Sultanate Council, Abubakar said: “Your Eminence, our purpose of coming to see you today is to register our displeasure over the activities of the government and ASUU that are out to destroy our future. We want to let them know that without education, this nation would not attain any meaningful development. This is why they must agree and allow us back to school.”

    Abubakar told the Sultan that students were aware of funds released by the government to Nollywood and the amount set aside to celebrate Nigeria’s centenary anniversary, saying if such commitment was not given to the education sector, the youth may be forced into criminality. He urged the Sultan to intervene on students’ behalf.

    Responding, Alhaji Abubakar said: “I am having cold caused by stress of Nigeria,” adding that there was nothing about ASUU’s demand he was not aware of.

    He said he had intervened in past disagreements between the union and the government, adding: “There are problems on both sides. The lecturers are asking for allowances but some of them have not worked for these allowances. There are many issues and the best way to look at them is through honesty, sincerity and transparency. It is not to go on strike, but to talk and talk.” He said there was no government in the world that could fully fund education.

    The traditional institutions, he said, would play their role in making the parties see reason to agree, adding that the onus is on the government and the striking lecturers to reason.

    The Sultan said he had been talking with ASUU and the government, expressing the hope that there would be a way out soon.

    He said: “Strike is supposed to be the last resort, because when you go on strike, innocent people will suffer. The problems are multiple but I believe ASUU should always consider the students. We have been doing a lot; we are not unaware of your problems. The worst thing to do to youths is to keep them at home doing nothing. But I will urge you students to always be ambassadors of peace.”

    The students, who wore long faces on arrival, filed out of the expansive Sultan’s palace in smiles, reliving the jokes the monarch shared with them.

    At 2:30pm, they travelled back to Zaria.

    Abubakar said: “The struggle continues until we achieve victory. My fellow comrades, we are going to see the president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, and ASUU President Dr Isa Faggae.”