As ASUU strike enters the 155th day over unmet demands from the federal government, the association of Nigeria aviation professionals (ANAP), has declared its intention to stand in solidarity with ASUU by vowing to shut down operations across the country.
The association, infuriated by ASUU’s unmet demand has called on the federal government to do the needful immediately, so that the strike can be called off, otherwise, they will be forced to shut down the aviation sector in solidarity with ASUU.
ANAP added that the continuous stay at home by University students has greatly contributed to the social vices in the country, as these students due to idleness have now engaged in some mischievous activities in the society, capable of destroying their future.
The association further stated that the over four months of unending strike action by ASUU has ridiculed the country’s educational system, making it a laughing stock before the world.
It noted that Education remains the bedrock of any nation aspiring for greatness, noting that ASUU strike will eventually lead to a regrettable situation in the future if not properly handled.
ANAP warned that the future of Education will be bleak as little or no attention was focused on the system, as most of the children of the politicians school abroad.
The union stated that its members will align with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) position in protest against the unfortunate situation in the tertiary education sector.
This incessant strike action by ASUU is not strange at all, as this is always a recurring action across all federal universities in the country. The union continues to embark on strike due to the apparent failure of the federal government to sign a negotiated 2009 agreement it had with the union.
This habitual failure of the government to respect agreement with the union has been the root cause of most of these strike actions. The government has always been in the habit of promising to meet their demands urging them to call off the strike, and when ASUU adheres to their plea, they default in payment of the agreement.
This time around, members of ASUU have had enough of their gimmick, as they would not call off the strike until their demands are met. No doubt, this incessant strike action has greatly contributed to the social vices in the country.
Some University students rather than utilize the strike period to learn a skill to develop themselves, they rather engage in despicable acts like robbery, prostitution, Fraud, Internet scam, and the likes.
It is disheartening that the federal government of Nigeria fails to understand that quality education is one of the most important factors in the development of a country. A close observation of developed countries, one will observe that they place so much value on the educational sector, providing adequate support.
It has been proven that a country’s development is primarily based on its people. However, for the people to play an active role in shaping the country, education is responsible for that.
Therefore, education remains the backbone of any country. If the literacy rate of a country is high, it will lead to a low unemployment rate and greater GDP growth.
