Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello has urged students to report sexual molestation to the institution’s Centre for Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (CRPSGBV).

She spoke at the institution’s matriculation ceremony on Monday on campus.
LASU matriculated 6,377 new students for the 2021/2022 academic session.

“Report any form of sexual harassment to the university Centre for Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence( CRPSGBV).Those found culpable for any of these vices will be dealt with in line with our disciplinary measures,” she said.

She said over 25,000 applied to the university, but the approved carrying capacity by the National Universities Commission (NUC) for LASU is 8,000, adding that 7,800 students accepted the admission offer.

“Those who applied to LASU through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) were 25,000 but our quota from NUC is 8,000. Out of 7,800 students that accepted our admission offer, 6, 377 matriculated while this morning before the ceremony, I cleared 109 for admission.”

The VC, who congratulated the new students, urged them to be serious with their studies.

She assured them their welfare and security on campus would be prioritized.

Read Also: On the growing menace of child sexual molestation

The LASU VC urged them to shun unethical practices and be security-conscious.

“The university has zero tolerance for cultism, examination malpractices, corruption, hooliganism and sexual gender based violence.

“We have a one stop safety application for our students named; LASU Monitor Campus Safety App. Kindly download it from Google Play Store and ensure that you learn how to use it. It will improve your safety in and out of the campus,” she added.

Olatunji-Bello reiterated her administration’s policy of refunding 50 per cent school fee to students who make 4.50 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) in any academic session.

Earlier, Dean, Students’ Affairs, Prof. Tajudeen Olumoko, urged them to be obedient to university authorities and exhibit good behaviour.

“I therefore charge you to make the most of this rare opportunity and ensure class attendance above 70 per cent while focusing on the objectives of seeking a university degree,” he said.

He advised the students not to flout rules and regulations of the institution.

Olumoko told them that the university has zero tolerance for misconduct and that it would sanction erring students.

He advised parents and guardian not to leave character-moulding in the hands of management and staff of the university alone.

 

Senior Special Assistant to President Buhari on UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has urged varsities in the country to engage in research capable of solving problems, She said her office was ready to fund them.

She was the keynote speaker on Tuesday at the 4th Research and Innovation Fair organised by the Lagos State University(LASU) Ojo, at its main campus.

Theme of the fair was: “Repositioning the Nigerian university system for global relevance and competitiveness in learning, research, innovation and technological transfer.”

Orelope-Adefulire noted that there were many problems afflicting the nation, hence, universities should be at the forefront of solving them and with LASU taking the lead.

She said research and innovation were vital to building a prosperous and sustainable society.

She praised LASU for organising the fair,noting that the theme was in line with some Sustainable Development Goals, particularly that of 4 which targets inclusive and equitable quality education and promotion of lifelong learning opportunities for all.

The former Lagos Deputy Governor stressed the importance of qualitative and inclusive education as a tool for achieving sustainable livelihood and economic prosperity.

“This is because the role of universities is very important to all sectors of human endeavours, from social, economic, environmental, legal to all others,” she said.

Read Also:ASUU strike: Parents, candidates turn to private varsities for admission

Orelope-Adefulire, who said her office’s target is to train up to 1.2 million youths on various skills and also move a significant number of out-of-school children off the streets, noted that the country needed to reposition its universities.

She also announced her donation of a 750- capacity seater hall for LASU.

Guest speaker and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof Olufemi Bamiro, stressed the need for both the university students and lecturers either as an individual or groups to scale up engagements in cutting-edge research projects that will impact society.

He tasked Nigerians to begin to seek viable solutions to make the country advance rather than complain.

He said information and communication technology (ICT) had created a revolution in all spheres of human endeavour, hence, it is important for the academic community to play vital roles.

Bamiro urged government to task universities in providing solutions to specific societal problems.

He also advised universities to partner with government and industries to produce high-quality manpower and value-adding multi-disciplinary research.

Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, decried poor global ranking of Nigerian universities, stressing the need to reposition them.

She said programmes such as research and innovation fairs just like the one organised by LASU could help Nigerian universities to perform their roles effectively.

She said LASU was committed to research and innovation, hence, it instituted N5million research grant for researchers.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has stressed the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the education sector. This is just as it lamented incessant  industrial actions  in tertiary institutions.

NANS  President, Sunday Asefon, who spoke at an event to celebrate the association’s 40th anniversary, urged Nigerians to rescue the education sector from  total collapse.

The event was tagged: “Public education system on the brink of collapse: Rescue it now or prepare for the alternative.”

According to him, the  sector needs a lift and everyone must rise to rescue it.

Asefon charged state universities to pull out of the  ASUU strike, adding that they would not be beneficiaries of ASUU’s demand from the Federal Government since governors were responsible for the establishment of the universities.

He also frowned at  ASUU’s demand for the payment of six months arrears of salaries for the entire period of the strike before  calling off the strike.

“This demand is not only insensitive; it is also selfish, inconsiderate and uncharitable. The six months is a period of no work. As much as we encourage the government to pay their arrears irrespective, it is unfair to base the resumption of academic activities on full payment of the arrears.

“We have also unfortunately noticed that since the beginning of the strike, ASUU has refused to put the students who are the major losers into consideration whatsoever. They have hidden from us the major areas of contention. Every other stakeholder, except ASUU, has met with us directly to discuss the issues,” he said.

The occasion was also used to honour a few Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in service of humanity.

Final year students in tertiary institutions affiliated to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are dismayed at their loss of opportunities ranging from scholarships to jobs as a result of the industrial action embarked upon by the union which hits 199 days today. BOLUWATIFE ADEDOKUN (AAUA) and VICTORIA AMADI report.

Final year students are disheartened by their loss of job opportunities because of delay in getting their certificates. No thanks to the industrial action embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over alleged failure of the Federal Government to accede to their demands. The strike which began on February 14, after series of extensions, would now run indefinitely.

In a statement, ASUU President Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke said: “In view of the foregoing, and following extensive deliberations on government’s response to the resolution of February 14, 2022 so far, NEC concluded that the demands of the union had not been satisfactorily addressed.

“Consequently, NEC resolved to transmute the roll-over strike to a comprehensive, total and indefinite strike action beginning from 12.01 a.m. on Monday, August 29, 2022.”

This would further compound the woes of not just final year students, but others in first, second and third year as well as intending candidates.

Many students are lamenting that their counterparts in private universities had graduated, received their certificates, started work and  were smiling home with  nice  salaries, while they were still at home waiting for ASUU and the Federal Government to settle their dispute.

“Merely thinking how my university, which is a state-owned institution, could stay this long in the strike without putting us into consideration hurts me more.

“My colleague applied for a training and it was certain that he’d be employed as a graduate intern after the training. But he’s not eligible despite the knowledge he had gained. I’m sure he’s not the only one out of millions. Others have their painful stories too,” Anjorin Philip, a final year student of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba- Akoko (AAUA) said, expressing his frustration.

For Bukola Shabi, a final year student at  Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, the strike has left her short of opportunities.

She said: “I have lost so many opportunities. I expected a quick resolution when the strike started. The demands of the union should have been met.  It’s just unfortunate we have to be the ones bearing the consequences of their negligence.

“So many things I had planned if I graduate this year.Then I applied  for jobs only to hear that they were looking for graduates. It is painful.”

Tosin Ologun, final year student at AAUA, said: “The strike has  affected  me because some jobs a 25-year-old could get, I can’t get them anymore because of my long stay at the university. The strike is time wasting and it is impacting my career. Though I have the experience, but age is not on my side because of the lingering ASUU strike and I hope it ends soon.

“At a  radio station, I’ve been an intern for a year and waiting for my certificate to be part of their staff. Normally, I should have graduated and started working with them, but they can’t staff me because they know I’m still going to school. There are some other job opportunities I can’t apply for now because I’m not qualified as I don’t have  the certificate,” he said.

He  urged the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the lingering strike.

Another  final year student at  University of Ibadan, Babatunde  Balogun said: “There are so many job opportunities and scholarships out there, unfortunately I’m at crossroads. No certificate to apply for   them. Imagine  one to be out of school for over six months in a country where there is no war. I’m not getting younger. It’s irks me when I see my peers graduating from private institutions. Gone are the days we were proud of schooling in either federal or state institutions, these values and pride are gone. As it is, I just want to graduate.”

He  also said the  strike had hampered

him from applying for postgraduate studies,  stating that he was using five years for a four- year course.

“The plan was to proceed for post graduate studies immediately. ASUU strike shattered this dream years ago. It’s heart wrenching whenever I remember it’s my fifth year in the university pursuing a four- year degree and I am yet to resume classes for my final year.

Balogun implored the Federal Government to meet up with ASUU’s  demands.

“In fact, it seems the union is bent on the use of UTAS as against IPPIS for salaries platform. UTAS has been tested and passed the three stages as recommended by NITDA. Once UTAS is approved amid other demands, I think striking lecturers would resume classes.”

Jamiu Abubakar, a final year student at  AAUA, said: “I have lost  opportunities just because of the ASUU strike before and there is another one now, a six- month programme which comes with  a monthly stipend of N65,000. But I am scared of telling those in charge I will be resuming back to school after ASUU strike for three or four months to complete my course.”

Balogun Muktar, a final year student at Federal University  Oye-Ekiti, noted he had planned to explore internship opportunities while serving but the strike made it impossible.

“I definitely had plans like every other finalist. Most importantly, I had a plan to harness an internship opportunity while I serve the country.

‘’Now, I am currently writing and doing some volunteering works. The ASUU strike has been largely destructive for me,” he said.

He pleaded with  the Federal Government and ASUU to find a common ground and settle their differences.

“They should try to find a temporary solution and get  students back to class. It is tiring for all students and parents,” he said.

Promise Eze, a final year student at  Usmanu  Danfodio University Sokoto,  noted that going by his plans, he should have graduated  middle of this year.

His words: “I planned that I should have graduated middle of this year and  before the National Youth Service Corps programme,  I should be out there finding and seeking opportunities for myself. But here I am, stuck at home, stuck with all the big dreams in my head. And it’s not fair. I’m not getting any younger’’.

He urged the union to  call off the strike for the sake of students.

Yusuf Olukokun, a student at Federal University  Oye-Ekiti, said: “The fact is I don’t have any job waiting for me. But I’m stuck,  the strike has been a major obstacle for me to see what the labour market has to offer.

He added that he cannot  move forward to look for opportunities because he cannot do some things without his certificate.

“I get annoyed easily, anytime I remember how I have been treated unfairly by the education sector,”  he said.

Olawale Solomon, a 400- Level student at AAUA noted that the ASUU strike has made him lose   many opportunities to work  in a federal ministry.

“As I’m speaking to you, I was asked that after I finish my first degree, that I should bring my Curriculum Vitae, but unfortunately,  ASUU disrupted my plans and age is not on my side. This brings worries to me everyday I think about the opportunities I had. And as we all know, Nigeria is a populous country where many graduates are out looking for employment, so any opportunity someone has should be well utilised.

“But the opportunities I had are gone. My hope of working in a Federal ministry is dashed. It is painful that government  cannot  find an everlasting solution to end  ASUU strike which is over five months,” he said.

He urged the Federal Government to  do the needful and end the strike.

“It is the duty of   government to fund  universities.  The allocation given to education is very small, Federal Government should take education seriously, if not, Nigeria will lag behind  among  developed countries,” he said.

For Tobi Babalola, a student at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, education is no longer a goal to be achieved.

He said: ‘’I’ve encountered a few challenges during this period. I tried applying for a few jobs but never got them because I’m still a student or sometimes, because I don’t have my certificate yet. It’s been tough’’.

“ASUU strike has really delayed and affected my education. At  this point, it is  safe to say that I don’t care much about education anymore. I used to be passionate about education and learning, but after months of strikes and doing nothing, I’ve lost interest.

“The problem is that I can’t move on to the next phase of my life. I’ve started the process of getting a degree and I have to complete it. So, now I’m just stuck in between.

‘’I’m studying a  a four-year course, so I was supposed to graduate last year but due to the pandemic, I got an extra year. I was really hopeful that I would graduate this year, latest by October or November. But, that is not  possible anymore. Another academic year successfully wasted.

“I haven’t even got a project supervisor. I don’t even know what topic my project is going to be on. And it’s going to be hell when school resumes. One would have to balance project writing with normal school activities and stuff.”

On solution to incessant strike, a  Lagos-based lecturer, Dr Ade Benson Akingboye,  called on the federal, state governments and  National Assembly  to find ways to adequately fund universities.

He stressed the need for ‘appropriate pricing of university education through charging of economically justifiable fees public universities.

“We all should check the statistics of fees being charged in private universities in Nigeria, check the fees being charged in public universities and colleges in the USA, UK, Europe, Asia, Middle East and other African countries like Ghana, South Africa, Egypt etc; there, we will all agree that the Nigerian public universities really need to fix appropriate prices in the university system for it to thrive.

“Worthy of note is the pulling out of students and academics in the public university system to foreign and private universities for career fulfillment  and dreams actualisation in chosen fields of endeavours. The government,  parents, alumni bodies and the university communities in Nigeria must all rise up to this challenge and get our public universities out of the quagmire to how a good university system can be sustained,” he said.

Following the recent briefing by the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, that an agreement has been reached with all staff unions in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education except the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), public attention is on the union for its yearly ritual of strikes.

Frequent disruption of academic calendar is not only responsible for the low ranking of Nigerian universities but a source of despair to students and their parents. It is therefore disheartening that ASUU has refused to call off the current strike based on government’s adoption of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) convention on “No work No pay” which is also applicable to the other unions that have resumed duties.

The social media is awash with reports by the union to mobilise its members for an indefinite strike based on misrepresentation of facts.  For example, ASUU is telling its local branches that government only accepted an increase of N60,000 and N30,000 for professors and other teaching staff as against the 35 per cent and 27 per cent increase widely reported.

Contrary to the false claim that the new salary structure will take effect after the 2023 general elections, government’s offer was to take effect from September, 2022 subject to the call-off of the strike. The sole purpose of this deliberate misinformation is to cause disaffection between government and its rank &file as well as the general public.

ASUU went on  strike with two  stated objectives of adoption of UTAS as replacement for IPPIS and funding for revitalisation of universities.  It has since expanded its demands to cover as broad a field as to guarantee a stalemate.  The strange demand for dictating its payment platform was hinged on the principle of University autonomy as encapsulated in the University (Miscellaneous) Act 1993, 1996, 2003 and 2012.  What ASUU is not telling its members and Nigerians is that the 2009 agreement as well as the Universities Autonomy Act clearly situates negotiation with staff unions on welfare and other matters squarely within the purview of Universities Governing Councils.  The union has conveniently downplayed this position because in their view, it will sound the death knell for the central and all powerful ASUU since such negotiations will now be undertaken by their branches in their respective institutions.  It is also curious that the Federal Government has continued to negotiate with ASUU in violation of these provisions.  Perhaps the time is right for a re-think and a faithful implementation of the Act by referring ASUU to the Governing Councils of their institutions. That will also remove the anomaly of the Federal Government entering into agreements on matters bordering on State Government-owned institutions without their participation and consent.

Many onlookers have wondered why State Government-owned institutions should be compelled to join the strike when the issues in contention have little or no bearing on them.  State institutions are not paid on IPPIS and Visitation Panels were only sent to Federal Government owned institutions.

Similarly, needs assessment and rehabilitation of facilities on campuses should be the responsibility of the proprietors of each University – Federal Government, State Government or private owners.  As Governors Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State and Darius Ishaku of Taraba State rightly observed, they had no problems or quarrel with their institutions, so why should their students be punished every time a lecturer in Bayero University or University of Calabar feel aggrieved, or an erring lecturer is sacked by Kogi State Governor?  The decision of these and other governors to direct the opening of their schools have received widespread endorsement and acclaim throughout the country.  All other governors should do the same in the true spirit of autonomy.  Afterall, education is on the concurrent list and not the exclusive preserve of the Federal Government or ASUU.

Another sore thumb in the Federal Government/ASUU impasse  is the penchant for ASUU members to teach in multiple institutions while denying tens of thousands of qualified Nigerians with PhDs, Masters and First Class degrees employment.  With the grant of autonomy to the institutions, the Governing Councils will operate on the strength of their balance sheet i.e identifying and harnessing all revenue sources (including Government grants), determine the appropriate manning levels and remuneration and charge appropriate fees and charges for services.

 

 

Government grants may be targeted as scholarships for brilliant and indigent students or subsidy for their operations.  While this is anathema to ASUU, it is the global practice.  Facilities and instruments, such as students’ loans and other support systems may be put in place to cater to disadvantaged and vulnerable segments of the society.

Most reputable tertiary institutions around the world are run on endowments, research grants and proceeds from collaborations and linkages with industries and firms.  They also engage in economic activities as well as consultancy/advisory services to generate revenue.  Here everything is government, which also explains why ASUU is opposed to the establishment of private universities.

Parents, the larger society and even  students themselves must contribute to tertiary education as the crown jewel and tool for self-actualisation and fulfilment. It is manifestly different from basic education which is a fundamental right of citizens.   Government policy approach to education is right on target.  Basic education as defined in the Universal Basic Education Commission Act (UBEC)is not only free but compulsory for all citizens.  Tertiary education on the other hand is an investment with expectation of returns over a lifetime of work and practice.  Exclusive public (Government) funding of tertiary education is neither sustainable nor equitable as it entails a higher burden of tax from the citizens while crowding out the pivotal role of the private sector thereby stifling innovation, creativity and competition. It also sign posts inefficient allocation of resources as it invariably leads to the neglect of other competing needs in social sectors such as food security, primary health care, sanitation and poverty eradication.

To achieve the needed transformation of tertiary education in Nigeria, there is a compelling need to re-imagine and reform institutions in the system to render their performance more responsive to the aspirations of Nigerians.  A predictable and stable academic calendar is an important first step in this direction.  ASUU should therefore re-invent itself starting from the composition of its Executive Committee.  Retaining spent previous leaders, many in their seventies and eighties, denies the union the much needed fresh breath that new faces and ideas bring.   The fixation with obsolete and forgotten Marxist ideology and disdain for alternative viewpoints situates it firmly in the past and out of tune with present day realities.  A clear vision for the future must exclude such banalities as free education and illusions of being an alternative government.  It must therefore refocus its efforts primarily to the welfare of its members and eschew the creeping partisanship as exemplified by the recent open campaign by its president.

By any imaginable conjecture, the current strike has since exceeded its useful lifespan.  The unions and indeed the academic community stand to lose more in terms of battered image and reputation as well as loss of public sympathy for its cause than any misplaced optimism of government capitulation from continuation of the strike.

The “no work no pay” policy is not a creation of the Buhari administration and ASUU should not hang its deficit of reasoning and failure to demonstrate sensitivity to the plight of citizens and other workers on the door of government. Well meaning Nigerians should therefore prevail on ASUU to assuage the suffering and patience of their students who have since seen the futility of constant strikes before the students take matters in their hands.  There are now growing calls for the adoption of the practice in the United Kingdom where striking lecturers are surcharged to pay compensation to students for any day lost to strike.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) approach of constant dialogue and constructive engagements with stakeholders coupled with the adoption of a flexible posture will stand  ASUU in good stead as they review their critical role in shaping the future of tertiary education in Nigeria.

 

.Ohiambe

The Department of Philosophy of University of Lagos (UNILAG) has inaugurated some  projects to lift the department.

This was done last week on campus.

Speaking at the inauguration, Prof.

Douglas Anele, immediate past Head of Department (HOD) of Philosophy, said  the projects would assist in facilitating  teaching, learning and community development.

He said: “I must say that we are over excited over these positive developments in our department today.

“This is because, despite the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, series of strikes and in spite of my serious ill health, I was able to achieve some legacy projects, as the Head of Department of Philosophy of this university.

“The projects are the seminar room, which was facilitated by the Institute of African and Diaspora Studies, here in UNILAG, through the Director, Prof. Muyiwa Falaiye.

“Then, a complete refurnishing of our Postgraduate lecture room by the Olori Francis Meshioye Foundation. In fact, I want to boast that the Department of Philosophy has the best Postgraduate lecture room among public universities in Nigeria today’’.

Anele noted that the third was the refurnishing of the HOD’s office by the little resources of the department and his own fund.

“So, these are the three projects that we are inaugurating today. That is why I brought those who facilitated some of those projects, my friends and colleagues to the inauguration ceremony today,” he said.

He said the projects would serve as template for his successor to ensure that he leaves a legacy project.

“It is not always about what you can get. The problem of leadership in the country is that those people in leadership position are always thinking of what they can get.

“But the moment you put yourself aside, no matter how tight the funds are. You can imagine, since 2020 till now, I had faced serious health challenges and still able to put all these in place.

“I feel it should be a model for others to copy. I have done my bit. I have handed the baton to my successor. So, I will keep reminding him but the quality of job done is solid,” he said.

Founder of  Olori Francis Meshioye Foundation, a non-governmental Organisation (NGO), Francis Meshioye, who sponsored the refurnishing of the postgraduate lecture room, urged parents to step up efforts to preserve culture and foster inclusiveness, resilience among children.

According to him, culture is the only weapon to guide youths and the country to  greatness.

Meshioye said  sustaining culture would facilitate development, promote unity and inspire inclusiveness.

“Today, we are inaugurating projects in our department, which is part of our mission to foster our culture. One of such projects is the Postgraduate lecture room, to support the university in the area of renovation’’.

“We want to support whatever we can do to sustain the African culture and ensure it is promoted and brought to limelight, not underrated, because every nation’s culture matters a lot. It is part of our culture to give, reach out and support.

“We will not fold our hands and watch our culture goes into extinction.

“Remember culture determines how one goes about life, relate with people and it makes one get well rooted. When you are well rooted, you can channel your path easily and very well too.

“If anyone should forget his or her culture, then it is possible that such person will be afloat and when one is afloat, then there is a problem.

“If there are other ideologies, on the issue of civilisation, there is nothing wrong about that but that should not be at the detriment of our own understanding. You only dispose things that are no longer useful.

“I should not try to be a Chinese, when I am an African but I can look at what a Chinese does that could assist me in improving on what I already have.

“You don’t just hear that there is rain and rush off to throw away the one in your pot, even before the rain comes. It is only wise to collect and add it up.

“I don’t mind civilisation, it is a beautiful thing but you do not reject what you are doing or discard your root and identity because of it,’’ he said.

He said much as civilisation was good, it must not be allowed to erode the culture.

“For instance, you don’t scold your children because they speak your native language. It is not done.

“This is because, it is this local language that gives them the sense of integration and makes them unique. There are things one cannot change through translation but when it is said in the local language, the children would have deep understanding of it,” he said.

 

The duo of Shamsudeen Jimoh (who just graduated from University of Ilorin) and Hussein Abdulbasit, a student at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), have said the first Kwara Book and Arts Festival (KWABAFEST), an initiative of PIAM (Poetry in a Million Voices) was aimed at driving economic growth to put Kwara State on the global map.

They were the conveners.

The three-day festival with the theme “Stories from scratch”, attracted young arts students and enthusiasts all over the state.

It featured poetry, stage play (drama),  visual arts exhibition, cultural display, panel sessions, inter secondary school debate, careers in arts development and music, among others.

Jimoh said the event was initiated to put Kwara on the global map of art and creativity.

He said: “We want to  get accolades through what we own innately. Hence, we are not stopping. Beyond KWABAFEST being annual, we are becoming more interested in our people and how we can propel our talents to the global space.”

Abdulbasit said the event was inspired by the need to to deconstruct narratives around Kwara State in the Nigerian literary and creative industries.

“Often, Kwara State is seen as being backward in terms of literary and creative excellence. The outside world feels we are not and cannot do enough especially when we have conversations with our counterparts in other states whose governments are providing funds to support creatives. Thus, the festival emerged to pull down such narratives and tell our own stories (looking at the theme of the festival, “Stories From Scratch”) both told and untold ones in a bid to communicate to the domestic and international communities that we have excellent creatives here,” he said.

Iyanuoluwa Ipadeola, a participant, said the event was a platform to celebrate arts and culture through books and photographs of the Kwara people.

She was amazed by those who performed, especially the poet on  crutches. She said the event showed that there were young minds who have gifts or talents in the state.

 

The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, believes students should take the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to court for compensation for wasting their time as the strike lingers. While some students are in support of the minister, others are of the view that the government is at fault, not the union. SAFIU KEHINDE (LASUSTECH) reports. Additional reports from PEACE OLADIPO (FUOYE) and AMEENAT HAMZAT (IBADAN POLY)

The  battle  between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has, for long, jeopardised tertiary education in Nigeria.

Every year, universities affiliated to ASUU  risk having disrupted academic session on account of this endless clash of interest. With the current ASUU strike action now heading close to seven months, most students have lost hope in the country’s education as well as those  seeking admission into tertiary institutions.

In a rather shocking development, the Federal Government appeared to be clueless on what to do following the Minister of Education Mallam Adamu Adamu’s call on students to sue ASUU to court.

Adamu, last Thursday, said it was  the responsibility of the union to compensate students for the time wasted during the strike, not the Federal Government.

He suggested that the affected students should “take ASUU to court” to claim damages incurred as a result of  the strike.

According to him,  if the students want to get compensated, they should take ASUU to court.

However, students have expressed divergent views regarding the issue.

For Fatima Idera, a 200-Level  student at  Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko, suing ASUU is not the responsibility of the students as the government is to be blamed for the strike.

“Students are not meant to sue ASUU in court as the fault is from the Federal Government that tends to take the education sector with levity. Government is the cause of the waste of time,” she said.

She  said it was the responsibility of  government to  compensate students.

Her words: “The compensation should be the responsibility of the Federal Government as the delay was intentional for their own selfish interest.

“The statement shouldn’t have come from him, as he is the minister for education who should have resolved the matter long ago.”

In contrast, a 400-Level student at the  University of Lagos, Sanusi Motunrayo, blamed ASUU for the strike, stating that there are several other ways to resolve their issue with Federal Government.  She stressed  that  the only compensation the  union can offer is to suspend  the strike.

“ To a point, I feel like what they (ASUU) keep doing to us is not right. They have been going on strike for almost every year and yet they cannot resolve the issue. Because of their own problem, we are  affected. I believe there are other ways they can resolve this.

“An apology can’t even make up for six months. The only thing they can do is to allow us go back to school on time,” she said.

Meanwhile, another UNILAG student, Olaitan Sunday noted  that students suing ASUU to court would not solve the problem as the students were never carried along during the decision making process.

“I don’t think suing ASUU has anything to do with the whole thing. If you look at it from a different point of view, you will notice that students are not part of   the decision making process.  There are no students representatives whenever these decisions are made and all these decisions affect students the most,” he said.

He said ASUU strike is an age-long phenomenon that has transcended students’ intervention.

“We are in a country that has no structure. We have a Ministry of Education but it seems as though we are in a lawless country. There is a kind of power that  students wield but we have failed to utilise it and this is the repercussion. We have student leaders and folks playing politics in their various institutions but look at us. It’s almost as if we are zombies. It’s almost as if we settle for less.

“If this strike goes on for two, three, four years, you can’t blame the students because it  has always been like this and no one is ready to stand up for his/ her  right,” he added.

Also Eze Chijoke , a student at  Nnamdi Azikiwe University,Awka, noted that the ASUU strike is justifiable at the initial stage, but an elongation of the strike justifies Adamu’s call for students to sue the union.

Her words: “Initially when they began the strike, whatever cause ASUU was fighting for (Payment of salary, better working conditions etc) were something legitimate and worth fighting for. It had the backup of various students because you can’t be working without them paying you.

“ But now, the union is  demanding to be paid for the period they were on strike and they are threatening to elongate the strike and not even cover-up for this period they went on strike- meaning they probably want to start a new session.

” Now this is where ASUU is wrong. Whatever action they are taking now is detrimental to studies.

“It is not entrenched in the Nigerian Constitution that whatever strike or protest you embark on, you will be paid during that period you disregard your working activities. Then,  it underplays what the strike is all about in the first place,” she said.

She  noted that ASUU’s agitation for payment during strike  will encourage others to orchestrate strike actions and protests with the hope of getting paid while they are on strike.

“By the time we begin to pay people for strike or whenever they embark on  protest, people will continuously do it as a form of lazy protest to save money without even working. They always will embark on strike with the knowledge that they will be paid during this period they were not working.

“Why ASUU is elongating  this strike is something I think is problematic and this is where students are justified to  sue  them to court,” she added.

Toluwani Bamiro, a student at Obafemi Awolowo University,Ile-Ife, said: “Taking ASUU to court won’t work and won’t do any good. It is quite difficult and may not produce the desired result. Besides, many   students may not want to volunteer to represent the student body.

Government is  the one responsible for the damage caused, if they had done their biddings, paid the salaries of lecturers, improved the condition of universities,  this strike won’t have happened and we won’t be having this discussion.

“The government should compensate students. Adamu Adamu doesn’t have any moral stand to make that statement. He hasn’t done his own part well. He should actually be sanctioned for not being a  responsible minister. The strike shouldn’t have happened under his watch.”

Mohammed Taoheed a Law student at Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, said: “The law is clear on the position that anyone can take any to court, so the students can sue their lecturers if the need arises.

“However, students should not take their lecturers to court here because they have no clear claim. In the civil law, damages could only be awarded if the plaintiff’s injuries are actually caused by the accused person. ASUU didn’t cause  anything,  it is the government. It is stipulated in the Nigerian Labour Law that any union can use a strike as an instrument of demand and that is what ASUU is doing.

“Every child has the right to education which must be guaranteed and protected by the government. The comments are mean, it lacks a justifiable position. Adamu is not right. It is he  and .Chris Ngige that catapulted us into this academic mess.”

For Jimoh Ibrahim,a student at University of Ilorin,the Federal Government should be the one to compensate students.

He said: ” The Federal Government should  be the one to compensate us not ASUU. The union  can compensate us in terms of academic schedule to cover up for  the wasted time.

“ASUU gave a  warning before embarking on the strike which if the government truly wanted to pay they should have done that and I don’t think we would be on strike.”

Precious Akintulubo , a student at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, said: “The Federal Government instead needs to be taken to court. ASUU is fighting for its rights through going on prolonged strike. The union  will still go on another strike if the government doesn’t do what it is expected. This strike is intentional  because ASUU wants to prove its  seriousness.

“The Federal government should compensate  students by doing the bidding of our lecturers so they can teach us well.

“The Minister  is not right. ASUU is not at fault. Infact, I support them.  The union  should employ other measures to ensure the government answers them.  students are the ones suffering from this. So many years wasted.  Imagine senators and ministers salaries compared to ASUU’s demands.”

For Ogbeni Hammond, a Master’s student at Federal University Oye-Ekiti,the Minister of Education erred in calling on students to take ASUU to court for compensation.

 

“The  Minister is wrong.

The Federal Government should compensate students with job opportunities and a lovely environment for businesses to thrive,” he said.

Phillip Anjorin, a student at Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko, said:  “This would have been plausible in a saner clime where justice is assured and social responsibility is guaranteed. But here in  our beloved country, it sounds silly to even think up such because we then start to ask ourselves who will lead such charge. Is it the compromised NANS whose representative reputation have been altered over the years? We are in a debacle as students because we really have no one to stand up for us, and it’s a disgrace considering how vocal we ought to be as youths and leaders of tomorrow.”

Abraham Bankole, another student at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye,said: ” Adamu wasn’t right with his comments.  Education is  supposed to be prioritised by government.

If  government had done the needful, there would be no need for this strike.

Government is  to be responsible for the damages they have caused the students, not ASUU.”

Former South Africa President, the late Nelson Mandela, once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

That is incontestable considering that it is only through education that  countries have  been able to experience revolutions, inventions, innovations and economic turnaround.

Mandela also said: “It  is through education the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mine worker can become the head of the mine, that a child of farm workers can become the president of a great nation. It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another.”

Nonetheless, in the country, the  Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has always  resorted to strike to press home its demands. ASUU strike could take months to resolve and even at the end, there is no certainty that the government will keep to promises or agreements made. The union ASUU is ever ready to wield its ‘weapon’   whenever the need  arises. At present, it has a running battle with the Federal Government on welfare and other demands.

Sadly, students are left  to bear the brunt. Some go to  learn  trades or   do menial jobs, which undermine their mental capabilities. Others  are left to sit at home doing nothing.

For more than  50 months of industrial action by ASUU since its first strike in 1999, public tertiary education and even the overall education system have greatly suffered.

Many students moved  abroad to seek uninterrupted quality education,  some dropped out of school and refused to continue schooling due to the constant frustration of industrial actions. The rest are left to waste years of their youth while waiting to endure  till they finally graduate from the system far older than they had earlier planned.

A great  number of unemployed youths have fallen out of the employment age bracket overtime.  Social vices have spiked.

The nation produces half-baked professionals with no adequate exposure to standard learning facilities.

The leaders of tomorrow cannot formulate policies that will further rescue the nation from poverty and economic depression, even if they can do so, there is no adequate education to further lead the nation to full economic development through inventions and innovations.

The Federal Government should therefore rise and act with utmost urgency to its responsibility and make education the highest priority in all its policies to save the  future of students and sustain  the growth of the nation.

 

• Eshanokpe is a 400-Level student at University of Benin (UNIBEN)