I wonder what will end the current ASUU strike which is painfully marking the 10th anniversary of the industrial actions for the same reason since 2009. While students are home sick, lecturers are saying no to re-negotiation and government is saying the previous agreement is too complex. Considering the term of language in the tug-of-war so to say, “agreement” is a promise or contract made with somebody. If this is right, then how did it happen the other time; ASUU should explain how they charmed the government to agree to the term. On the other hand the government should explain how it was blindfolded. But what is left for the students? Look at them; they are hopeless, tired and confused as they are being used for these lethargic experiments. Definitely, this is one of the attitude common in this part of the world where we don’t seem to think of future. However, we could know this as common attitude but the world at large may call it schizophrenia. We are being watched by the world and perhaps they laugh at us calling us names which are not far from fools. But, who is to take the blame for all these fierce actions? ASUU has been going around with a document which basically, according to its president, Nasir Isa Fadi, was effort laden and well researched before coming to conclusion. He said it is not for selfish interest but the national. Although, it is not an overstatement to confirm that some of our universities are in bad conditions. This is evident from the conditions of services as well as individuals. Some students find it difficult to even explain their purposes in school as well as initiatives to move the nation forward. Perhaps, I may be proven wrong at this point, because to me as well, it seems exaggerating that there are some universities without ordinary water in the laboratory to perform experiments. This is where the situational irony sets in; students who pay so much in order to get quality education to meet up with societal requirement is not being provided with one (quality education) as the two masters (ASUU and government) are busy meddling around with the sector that is supposed to be their priorities. Just some days ago President Jonathan signed at least nine memoranda of understanding (MOUs) between Chinese investors and the Nigerian government and private sector at the Nigeria-China Investment Forum in Beijing. The agreement concentrated on power, agriculture, industrial zones, automobile, science and technology. According to Jonathan, China’s rising importance in global economy and its partnership with Nigeria, has seen the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently convert significant part of its reserve from the dollar to Chinese Yuan. “About 200 Chinese companies are doing business in Nigeria, but our country needs more direct investment. Our exchange rate has been stable over the years and foreigners have 100 per cent of their investment. We are most interested in agro and allied industry. That area is our priority. Government is willing to facilitate your business activities in Nigeria and we are willing to give you land and other things that will ease your investment in the country. We will also ensure that the Nigerian embassy here in China will give five to 10 years visa to big time investors. I assure you that your investment is safe in Nigeria,” the president said Not only that, governors of states are employing foreign hands to do construction works such as houses, bridges, roads, terminals and so on. Each time I come across these people, I wonder to see their uniqueness compared to average undergraduates “imagined” in this country but I found none. After all they are also human being. Perhaps what the government does not know is that China Republic is placing great premium on their education like Malaysia and Brazil that stated the struggle to liberate education at the same time with Nigeria. Their governments have been able to reason in line with education; if not, they will still continue wasting times like this. This is common sense I guess; No nation can be moved forward without quality education. Today, our youths are found of one thing which is finding greener pastures around the world. When they go there, they are made to face lots of predicaments such as police brutalities, illegal detention and so on. Some of them however resort to shady businesses such as promiscuity, stealing and so on. Is this supposed to be the pride of our government? As we wait for the meeting tomorrow between ASUU and Government, we need to think beyond putting the carts before the horses by running to other nations to come to our aids. Development must start from the education sectors and not from the countries that will not be directly impactful on our national progress. If the president can practically sign for the Nigerian youths such an MOUs with China, definitely there will be a turnaround. There is nothing the Nigerian youths cannot do if they are well trained and provided with instruments.
Posted on: Fri, 02 Aug 2013 07:37:49 +0000
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