NANS, NAUS Demand An End To ASUU Strike
By Prosper Okoye –
The National Association of Nigerian Students(NANS), in collaboration with the National Association of University Students (NAUS), has called for an end to the ongoing ASUU strike.
This call was made on Monday, during a peaceful protest, which began at the University of Benue state Second gate, and ended at the Federal Secretariat Makurdi.
Speaking to news men, NANS Benue State chairman, comr. Maxwell Faasema said the protest was declared nation wide, following the association’s executive council meeting held recently at the University of Sokoto.
He lamented that the Students are the victims of the ASUU – Federal government conflict, hence the students have come out to put an end to the strike action.
“ASUU strike has become a more frequent occurrence. Whenever they go on strike, the government would give them money, they would suspend the strike, after a while they will call for another strike. This can not continue.
“when ever two elephant are fighting, the grass suffers. In this case the students are the grass, and we are suffering.
“A course that a student should have graduated within four or five years, is extended to 10years, or more.
“Many of us are clocking 30 years in our age, and we will be deprived of many social economic opportunities because of the age limits attach to these opportunities.
“We pay for rents and make other educational expenses that amounts to waste, because we don’t make use of them. Because of this incessant strikes.”
Also speaking, NAUS Vice President, Comr. Kizito Joseph, said the students would not be intimidated, and would continue to press untill their voice are heard.
“Education is our right. The government must start prioritizing investments in our education sector.”
He further said that the students do not understand the meaning of the strike embarked by ASUU, as the union has not spoken to the student Unions concerning the aim of strike action.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of Benue state university, Prof. Joel Tor Iorapuu, said while addressing the protesting students, that the University understands the grievance of the students, but is helpless in solving it.
He however urged them to make their demands known to the public in a peaceful manner, adding that the University is in solidarity to their course.
The protesting students blocked the Federal Ministry Secretariat gate; preventing workers from entering or exiting the premise their demands were addressed.
Benue state Director in-charge of federal Education Quality Assurance, Babawale O.A, pleaded with the students to remain calm.
“I have contacted the Headquarters our at Abuja, immediately I was called. I want to inform you all that your grievances have been registered. And I was informed that the ministry are putting in measures to ensure that these problems you raised are solved,” he said.
The student carried placards that read: “End ASUU Strike;” “Save Our Future;” “Adamu Must Go;” “FG Make Our Education a Priority;” and “Education Is A Right.”
