On Monday, President Muhammadu Buhari criticized the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which has been on indefinite strike, stating that enough is enough of keeping students at home.
President Buhari warned the university instructors not to injure the next generation, saying he hoped ASUU would feel sympathy for the people.
The President made this statement while hosting legislators, political leaders, and several APC governors at his home in Daura, Katsina State.
He urged ASUU to reevaluate its stance on the protracted strike, expressing concern that it will have long-term effects on families, the educational system, and the nation’s future growth.
The President said the strike had already taken a toll on the psychology of parents, students and other stakeholders, throwing up many moral issues that are already begging for attention.
He noted that the future of the country rests on the quality of educational institutions and education, while assuring that the government understands their position, and negotiations should continue, with students in lecture halls.
A statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, quoted Buhari as saying, “We hope that ASUU will sympathise with the people on the prolonged strike.
“Truly, enough is enough for keeping students at home. Don’t hurt the next generation for goodness sake.”
The President urged all well-meaning Nigerians, especially those close to the association’s leaders and members, to take action to convince the academics to change their minds about their stance and the potential consequences for the nation and an entire generation.
He claimed that university students from Nigeria will have to compete with others in a highly linked and technologically advanced workplace, and that keeping them at home will simply rob them of the time, chances, and skills necessary to be relevant on the international arena.
According to him, “Colonial type education was geared towards producing workers in government. Those jobs are no longer there.
“Our young people should get education to prepare them for self-employment. Now education is for the sake of education.
“Through technology we are much more efficient. We should encourage our children to get education, not only to look for government jobs.”
BTL Blogger: Augustine Emmanuel
