The National Association of University Students, Ogun State chapter, has called on the Federal Government to urgently convene a stakeholders’ meeting to address the impending industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
The students said they could not afford another disaster of having the gates of their universities shut with grave consequences on their academic pursuit and their lives generally
The students’ group expressed deep concern over the potential disruption to the academic calendar and the negative impact on their future saying that the FG should as a matter of national urgency dialogue with their lecturers and resolve all the contentious issues
This was according to a statement signed by the state chairman of NAUS, Emmanuel Akinjetan and made available to journalists on Tuesday.
Akinjetan said, ”As another ASUU strike looms, we beg the Federal Government to prioritize dialogue and compromise to prevent another crisis in the nation’s education sector.
“The negative impacts of these incessant strikes in our institutions and on the students are devastating. Our academic pursuits are suddenly halted, a course that ought not to last more than four years could end in six years, these strikes take its toll on our future leaving many students to be disenchanted and sometimes lose focus”
He emphasised the importance of a peaceful resolution to safeguard the academic progress of students and maintain the integrity of higher education in the state.
The students equally called on the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, to increase subventions for higher institutions in the state.
The association commended the governor for his previous efforts in supporting education but highlighted the need for further investment to ensure the quality and affordability of tertiary education.
The students also requested the Governor to donate one more bus to a federal university in Ogun State, following his generous donations to two other universities in Ogun State.
They emphasised the critical role of seamless transportation in facilitating students’ access to education and urged Abiodun to consider the unique needs of the remaining federal institution.
“We believe that by working together, the government, ASUU, and all stakeholders can find a mutually beneficial solution to avert a strike and ensure the continued progress of our education system,” said Emmanuel Akinjetan.
The association reiterated its commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of students, promising to continue to engage with relevant authorities to address the challenges facing higher education in the state.
Earlier in August, ASUU informed the Federal Government of its plans to embark on a nationwide strike by placing the government on a 21-day notice.
The threat was over the non-implementation of agreements reached with the federal government.
On June 26, the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, invited the union to a meeting to deliberate on the lingering issues affecting universities and to avert the planned strike. (PUNCH).
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