The All Progressives Congress (APC) Professionals Forum has called for more funding of the country’s tertiary institutions to address the perennial Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASSU) strike.
The forum’s chairman, Dr Isa Yuguda, who was a former Governor of Bauchi, made the appeal at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja.
Yuguda said that this would ensure a permanent solution to the frequent strikes by ASSU.
He, therefore, appealed to the Federal and State Governments to provide a comprehensive solution to the problem by adequately financing university education in the country.
Yuguda said this could be achieved by introducing full autonomy in public universities in the country.
“This should be complemented by a comprehensive National Students Loan Programme for indigent students to ensure that funding does not constitute a challenge for our university students.
“We call on the Federal Government to take the bull by the horn and chart a new narrative in the administration and financing of tertiary education in the country,” he said.
On the current leadership situation in the APC, Yuguda lauded President Muhammad Buhari for intervening on the issue.
Buhari in his recent message to APC leaders and stakeholders warned against name-calling and backstabbing, saying that this is the very elements that weakened the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Yuguda said the current leadership issue in the APC, if not properly handled, could hamper the party’s upcoming National Convention.
“We urge everyone concerned to take heed of the President’s advice and work towards the success of the National Convention slated for March 26,” he said.
He added that a successful convention was crucial to stabilise the party and would lay to rest the uncertainties and misdirection that had plagued it for months.
He said the forum would ensure that all candidates for positions at all levels align and imbibe the progressive ideals of the party as captured in its manifesto and constitution.
“We expect them to commit to the major campaign promises of the party, in line with the comprehensive national reform agenda already put in place by the President Buhari-led regime.
“This is especially with regards to infrastructural renewal and diversification of the economy.
“Also, as an influential professional group in the party, we remain non-partisan and prepared to work with anyone who emerged as the new party chairman as well as the new National Working Committee (NWC) members,” he said. (NAN)
