The "simple" solution to the centuries-old ASUU imbroglio

Students at higher education institutions have been returning home for the past 189 days, and there appears to be an ongoing standoff between the government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). This is an unacceptable situation, and must stop immediately. There are four issues I see, and I'm currently leading my company, AACS, to present a document to resolve.

1) 1.8 million students are at home, with all the social consequences and pain. This is by no means acceptable.

2) The ASUU seems to believe that the resolution is up to the government to meet the demands of the ASUU and its financial burden. Anyone familiar with the numbers should know that it is impossible for the government to properly fund higher education, given the country's income bracket and spending profile which is currently in deficit.

3) Ignoring ASUU's request to upgrade facilities at universities and the conditions of employment of our lecturers and eggheads is unacceptable. We cannot see those we leave to shape the nation's future suffer, or worse, continually lose them to “greener pastures”. This shouldn't happen.

4) The income profile of universities, ranging from tuition fees, IGR and other sources, is abysmal, and nothing in light of these western or regional countries that we are trying to compare ourselves with.

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These four issues are for all interested parties, ranging from government, ASUU, students, and the public, are not mutually exclusive, but require more than pointing fingers or playing games. 'ostrich. The truth is that it is in difficult circumstances that leaders and nations are formed.

In my banking experience, I actively supported the establishment of a thriving private university (Lead City University, Ibadan), and I still see the strict model they follow to stay afloat. I also had long discussions and debates about university funding and passion for education with a mentor, Aare Afe Babalola, during his time as Chancellor of the University of Lagos and his subsequent establishment of ABUAD , a leading private university. Education is the key, and if properly harnessed in a country with an abundant young population, it would be the bedrock of our greatness as a nation. However, not all stakeholders should be bombastic, but see realistically that the solution lies in everyone giving a little.

I would share the AACS position with the Presidency, Minister of Education, their state parallels, major party presidential candidates, ASUU leadership, and publish it on the AACS fortnightly. The hope is that all parties will rise to deal with the elephant in the room, rather than throwing the box down the road, or each party not wanting to take the difficult position.

There is no monopoly of knowledge, but it is cowardly not to give it a boost in view of the enormity of the stakes and the future of our young people.

Dr. Abina is Chairman of AACS, a leading international advisory and investment firm in Lagos.