By Abubakar Ojima-Ojo
The National leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned in a strong terms, the internal strike embarked by a section of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UNIABUJA branch.
This was contained in a statement issued in Abuja, signed by the National President of the Organization, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, and obtained by our correspondent on Monday.
According to the statement, NANS wondered why ASUU always embarks on strike actions at the least prompting when other options of dispute resolutions are open for considerations.
“We hereby unequivocally condemn the decision of a section of members of the University of Abuja branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of embarking on strike. The fact that the National leadership of the union sanctioned the strike is shocking, disappointing and very concerning, particularly given the flimsy and patently frivolous reasons adduced for the strike action”. The statement said.
The group went further to express their anger and displeasure at ASUU for not considering Nigerian Students and Parents interest before embarking on these needless trade actions, having loss over 16months of useful Academic activities between 2020 and 2023.
“The strike is more appalling against the background of almost 16 months of academic activities loss in our ivory towers between 2021 and 2023. This strike is the height of insensitivity to Nigerian parents and students’ plights, most especially of those of UNIABUJA. The statement went further.
“Be that as it may, we are happy to note that a large section of the UniAbuja lecturers have rejected and dissociated themselves from the strike action. We equally salute the university’s members of the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) and the Congress of Nigerian Universities Academics (CONUA) for also rejecting the strike. All of you have our support, and we thank you on behalf of the Great UniAbuja Students!”
“Our position is that gone are the days when staff of tertiary institutions (both teaching and non-teaching) would so cavalierly down tools and refuse to work, rather than dialogue and amicably resolve grievances.
“The lack of sensitivity and regards for students, parents, and the education system, is unacceptable and unbecoming of an otherwise union of intellectuals who should have known better. Strike actions in our institutions only disrupt, derail and destroy, but never address any problems.”
The statement enjoined the striking lecturers to return to dialogue table and call off the industrial action in the interest of Nigerian Students and the overall growth of the educational sector.
“Accordingly, the striking UniAbuja lecturers should see reason and resume work immediately. We commend the House of Representatives Committee on University Education for their prompt intervention in the matter and their call on the striking lecturers to return to work. All men and women of goodwill should be worried about and reject the action of the kill-joy lecturers.”
“We would also like to assure the Federal Government and the University of Abuja Management of our understanding and support should they take appropriate steps and measures to bring the infamous strike to an end.” The statement concluded.
