The Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila said he is pleased by the decision of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to suspend their strike action.
He said that the decision was the right call as it allows students at public universities in the country to resume their academic activities.
“I thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha; Minister of Education, Alhaji Adamu Adamu; Minister of Labour, Senator Chris Ngige; Professor Emmanuel Osodeke and the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for working to resolve the issues that necessitated the strike action. I also appreciate my colleagues in the House of Representatives for the decision to intervene in negotiations with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). I am confident that the House will endeavour to ensure that the Federal Government keeps its commitments to the union and universities”. Gbajabiamila said.
He noted that it was regrettable that the strike action happened in the first place.
’’ It is even more unfortunate that it lasted as long as it did. We must make sure it never happens again. Our public universities should be citadels of learning and innovation, where young people discover themselves and reach for the stars. That is not the case now. Changing that requires that we admit certain harsh truths and take radical action”. He said.
Best dreams
The Speaker stressed that the suspension of the strike does not mean that all the issues of funding, education standard, and student and staff welfare have been resolved.
“Therefore, we must not rest on our oars. Instead, let this be a call to action for the government, universities, unions, and citizens to begin the critical conversation about the future of public tertiary education in the country. I assure you that this is an objective the House of Representatives will pursue with dedication and determination”. He stressed.
He prayed for Godspeed on Nigerian youths as they return to school and encouraged them to ensure that the disruption to the academic calendar does not deter them from pursuing their ambitions and achieving their best dreams.
Olusola Akintonde
