By Anthony Ochela, Abuja
Concerned Nigerians under the auspices of Delta Democrats Forum, DDF, has called on the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, to put a stop to its cycle of strikes that disorganises academic activities in the country.
The group in a statement signed by its Convener/Acting President, Ufuoma Atare, said strike actions by the union largely punish students, parents and the entire nation.
According to the statement, “every strike destroys the academic calendar, drives our youths into despair and deepens national underdevelopment”.
DDF frowned at what it described as ASUU’s destructive resort to strikes in the name of reforms.
“For decades, ASUU has crippled the nation’s education system under the guise of fighting for improved welfare and funding — yet many of its members are the same individuals who help rig corrupt and incompetent politicians into power.
“It must realise that Nigerians have grown weary of its endless industrial actions and the hypocrisy that comes with them.
“ASUU members proudly serve as senior officers for the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, yet many compromise the process, paving the way for the same leaders who neglect education and the welfare of lecturers”, the statement said.
The group stated that ASUU cannot stand to fight for justice in education, while actively aiding injustice in politics.
In this vein, it stated that the union should not always resort to paralysing university activities in the name of reform when their actions at the ballot box perpetuate the very system that they are claiming to correct.
The group said, “If ASUU truly believes in justice, then it must start from within. Refuse electoral compromise. Expose corrupt politicians”.
