By The Speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Rt. Hon (Dr) Azeezat Yishawu has again asked the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to address the lingering strike that has kept thousands of Nigerian students at home for sixteen (16) weeks.
In a statement on Thursday, Yishawu noted that the ongoing industrial action, albeit premised on reasonable demands, has done more harm than good to the country’s educational sector, especially students of the affected institutions.
The Speaker said, “It is instructive to remind the Nigerian authorities as well as the governing class that amid the intense politicking ahead of the 2023 elections, the dreams and aspirations of uncountable number of young people currently hang in the balance due to the never-ending ASUU strikes.
“Since February 14, 2022, students of public universities have been made to pay the ultimate price for the recurring face-off between the Union and the Federal Government, as their plans for their lives and careers have been put on hold.
“It’s rather heart-wrenching that those people who should resolve the issues that propelled the strike are more interested in pursuing their political aspirations at the detriment of young Nigerians whose dreams and hopes have been shattered and maimed by the avoidable strike.”
She said the sheer indifference and carefree handling that have characterized the series of negotiations between the Federal Government and the striking lecturers further prove that Nigeria isn’t ready to secure the future of its youthful population.
Yishawu added, “I call on the leadership of the National Assembly, particularly the Committee on Education in both legislative chambers to intervene in this ASUU debacle as a matter of national urgency. In the same vein, all concerned stakeholders must rise up to the occasion and save the lives of Nigerian youths. The message is clear: let’s reopen our tertiary institutions and have the students back in class.”
