By: Muhammed Akindele
The recurring ASUU strikes in our country have been a long-standing issue, with the union established in 1978 but frequently going on strike due to unfulfilled government agreements. However, it’s important to note that not only students but also lecturers are victims of these strikes. Lecturers, who rely on their teaching income, are left stranded during these periods.
Following ASUU strikes, lecturers do eventually receive their salaries for the time they were not working, as exemplified by the president’s partial waiver of the “No Work, No Pay” order on striking members in 2023.
The question that arises is, who will compensate the students for the time they’ve lost during these strikes? Students bear the brunt of these strikes in several ways, including disruptions to academic activities, exposure to security risks, the potential to get involved in dangerous activities, and a loss of interest in studying, leading to high dropout rates.
These strikes also result in delays in academic calendars, and in some cases, institutions may need to cancel their existing academic calendar and create a new one.
Furthermore, the prevalent insecurity in the country poses additional risks to students during strikes, making them vulnerable to incidents like kidnapping and violence, whether they decide to travel home or stay on campus.
Some students may attempt to fill their time with skill training, while others may become idle or even influenced to join criminal groups, further exacerbating the situation.
Finally, the impact of these strikes extends to students’ long-term prospects, as some lose interest in education, leading to excessive dropouts and, in some cases, early marriages.
As Nelson Mandela wisely said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” To address these challenges and minimize the suffering of students during ASUU strikes, the Nigerian government must take proactive measures to resolve the recurrent issues surrounding these strikes.