ASUU: Enough is enough, Buhari tells striking lecturers
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By Gbenga Oloniniran
July 11, 2022
The president, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Retired), on Monday lamented the action of the Union of Academic Staff of Universities on strike for not calling off their industrial action, saying that was enough for keep students at home.< /p>
He said this on Monday in Daura, Katsina State, when he received congressional governors from all progressives, lawmakers and other political leaders at his residence.
The PUNCH reports that the ASUU strike has entered its fifth month, with no recovery in sight as speakers have yet to change ground on their demands.
Buhari urged the speakers to reconsider their position on the prolonged strike, noting that the crisis would have generational consequences on families, the education system and the future development of the country.
The president said the strike hurt the psychology of parents, students and other stakeholders.
He noted that the future of the country rests on the quality of educational institutions and education. While assuring the government understood the union's position, he insisted that negotiations continue while students return to class.
A statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, quotes him as saying, "We hope ASUU will sympathize with the people during the extended strike. Really, that is enough for keep the students at home. Don't hurt the next generation, for God's sake."
Buhari appealed to all well-meaning Nigerians, especially those close to union leaders and members, to look into the matter and persuade speakers to resume.
The President noted that students at Nigerian universities would find it difficult to compete with their counterparts in a highly connected and tech-driven workspace, and that keeping them at home only robs them of time, skills and opportunities to be globally relevant.
He said, "Colonial-style education was meant to produce workers in government. Those jobs don't exist anymore. Our young people should be educated to prepare for self-employment. Now education is for education.
"Thanks to technology, we are much more efficient. We should encourage our children to get an education, not just to seek public service jobs."
"By this time next year, I would have made the most of two terms, and in the months that remain, I will do my best."
"If you're greedy, you won't look around to see what's going on with those who are less gifted," he added.
The president also told governors and political leaders that the reason he hadn't been to his home in Daura for a long time was because of his job as president.
"The observation that I abandoned my base was made by the Emir of Daura, Dr. Faruk Faruk, at the Eid prayer ground. He held the microphone and told everyone world that the last time I was in Daura was during Eid-el-Kabir 2021.
“In 10 to 11 months I will come here. I have a better house in Kaduna, but it is too close to Abuja,” he said.
The president explained that the work schedule was long, saying he recently had to make friends with Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyema, who had to be away from his family most of the time.
He urged the stalwarts of the APC to continue working for the good of the people and the country, saying "we are a lucky people, and we need to think more about where we come from.
"I wish the best to the person who comes after me."
Please share this story:
Please share this story:
By Gbenga Oloniniran
July 11, 2022
The president, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Retired), on Monday lamented the action of the Union of Academic Staff of Universities on strike for not calling off their industrial action, saying that was enough for keep students at home.< /p>
He said this on Monday in Daura, Katsina State, when he received congressional governors from all progressives, lawmakers and other political leaders at his residence.
The PUNCH reports that the ASUU strike has entered its fifth month, with no recovery in sight as speakers have yet to change ground on their demands.
Buhari urged the speakers to reconsider their position on the prolonged strike, noting that the crisis would have generational consequences on families, the education system and the future development of the country.
The president said the strike hurt the psychology of parents, students and other stakeholders.
He noted that the future of the country rests on the quality of educational institutions and education. While assuring the government understood the union's position, he insisted that negotiations continue while students return to class.
A statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, quotes him as saying, "We hope ASUU will sympathize with the people during the extended strike. Really, that is enough for keep the students at home. Don't hurt the next generation, for God's sake."
Buhari appealed to all well-meaning Nigerians, especially those close to union leaders and members, to look into the matter and persuade speakers to resume.
The President noted that students at Nigerian universities would find it difficult to compete with their counterparts in a highly connected and tech-driven workspace, and that keeping them at home only robs them of time, skills and opportunities to be globally relevant.
He said, "Colonial-style education was meant to produce workers in government. Those jobs don't exist anymore. Our young people should be educated to prepare for self-employment. Now education is for education.
"Thanks to technology, we are much more efficient. We should encourage our children to get an education, not just to seek public service jobs."
"By this time next year, I would have made the most of two terms, and in the months that remain, I will do my best."
"If you're greedy, you won't look around to see what's going on with those who are less gifted," he added.
The president also told governors and political leaders that the reason he hadn't been to his home in Daura for a long time was because of his job as president.
"The observation that I abandoned my base was made by the Emir of Daura, Dr. Faruk Faruk, at the Eid prayer ground. He held the microphone and told everyone world that the last time I was in Daura was during Eid-el-Kabir 2021.
“In 10 to 11 months I will come here. I have a better house in Kaduna, but it is too close to Abuja,” he said.
The president explained that the work schedule was long, saying he recently had to make friends with Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyema, who had to be away from his family most of the time.
He urged the stalwarts of the APC to continue working for the good of the people and the country, saying "we are a lucky people, and we need to think more about where we come from.
"I wish the best to the person who comes after me."
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