One week into the warning strike embarked upon by Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, some parents in Makurdi, the Benue state capital, have flayed incessant strike action by the union.
Recall that the union went on warning strike last week Monday to press for the payment of all outstanding earned allowances, among other issues.
The parents who spoke to the Next Edition condemned the frequent stay at home of Nigerian students saying it will erode the developmental efforts in the education sector.
Mr. Abel Augustine, called on both the federal government and ASUU to exercise caution and find a permanent solution to the issues.
In his words, “Our educational system is emerging and developing at the same time. Other climes have passed through this process and with time, things will get better.
“The lecturers are citizens mostly and those governing the universities are equally citizens. It is my sincere belief that all the parties want a better Nigerian society and how can you have a better society without a functional education, education in its totality.
“So many talents have emerged from, Nigerian University Games, NUGA, and other forms of education. So it is time for national rebirth. Stakeholders should take a deep breath and reflect on issues and I believe that with sincere commitment, there will be better ways of managing the crisis.”
Mr. Augustine expressed fears that “given the cyber influence, when young people become idle, they can do many untoward things that can bring regrets and heartbreak to the nation.
“Crime, drugs, prostitution and other forms of violence will increase. So because of these, it is my sincere appeal that the negotiation table should be drawn closer so that a win-win situation can be arrived at.”
Also speaking, Mr. Henry Iyorkase said ASUU’s strike over arrears of their entitlement is becoming one too many.
He acknowledged that ASUU need to be paid because he who works deserves compensation by way of wages. “They are right to demand for their entitlement be it arrears or what. But this demands have dragged on for years.
“It is the concern of all of us parents including the leaders of ASUU because they are critical stakeholders and also parents who have children in other schools within and across the shores of this country. So they should know better.
“ASUU has a case but it is beginning to look like ASUU is troublesome in the sense that each time they meet to negotiate, they will call off and say part of the money they are demanding for has been paid. Why not wait until the whole money is paid to the last kobo before they call off so that the matter will be put to bed once and for all. Why go back and forth. So they are also to be blamed for not being decisive on the matter.
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“For some of us parents, it is painful. My son is just a first year student and barely 3 to four months, you say ASUU has gone on one month warning strike. I feel really bad and I know that other parents are feeling the same.”
He called on parents to, however, keep the students busy while they are waiting for call off saying he has already enrolled his son in computer classes so that the issue of visiting friends and joining bad gangs will be curtailed.
In her remarks, Mrs Veronica Abah, described the situation as frustrating for both the students and parents saying it is not good that children are kept at home every now and then making them stay in school for six to seven years for courses that require four years.
“This country is not poor. Nigeria has money. If someone has worked, he does not need to put up a fight before he can get his or her pay. So the federal government should settle them once and for all.”
She expressed fears that the students will take to crimes if the situation continues saying “It is not good for the children at at. It will make them lose interest in school and push them to take to crimes especially those crimes they think will benefit them since school is no longer in session.”
