A group Eduwatch Consults and Research Centre
has urged university lecturers to end their strike, now in its fourth
month, in the interest of students whose interest they claim to be
safeguarding.
Coordinator of the group, Abayomi Ogunnowo, said: "Academic Staff
Union of Universities should make some sacrifices based on what the
federal government has offered with the intent to mitigate the decaying
infrastructure in our universities, considering the fate of millions of
students hanging on the balance.
"Trade unions in the education sector must end the strikes and save
the education sector from collapse," said Ogunnowo at a press briefing
in Abuja on Monday, insisting Nigeria was the only country where
lecturers go on strike to register their grievances with government.
The group, consisting, lecturers, analysts and researchers in the
academia, warned that public opinion was starting to sway against ASUU
if the standoff continues to put the future of students at risk.
Olusegun Oyewale said past delays, neglects of previous government
have cost lecturers their trust in government. But he insisted the
present government in its negotiations since July has "demonstrated
willpower to resolve the issue" by agreeing to provide N130 billion
outside the budget out of a total N400 billion requested by the union.
"We are at that part where the same government, still distrusted,
whom ASUU have not seen the need to hold so much trust in, has given out
so much, even though it appears to be little.
"I would really advise our dear lecturers to bow out now that the
ovation is loudest. At the moment, the public has seen no reason in
continuing with this strike."
Bob Ushie, a graduate lecturer, urged moderation on both sides to save Nigeria's education and public image.
"There is need for both ASUU and government to come together now to
save the situation, because it is really appalling and sending wrong
signals about out to the international community," said Ushie.
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