If you passed through the Nigerian University system without being baptized by the reoccurring Academic Staff Union of Universities(ASUU) strike then consider yourself lucky. As a product of the system, I had my fair share, thankfully, I survived. While one prepares to write JAMB to secure admissions to a higher institution, one should also be prepared for the worst. A 4-year course ends up being a 4x course where x the unknown is the number of years of delays from the ASUU strike.
For as long as the university lecturers and the Federal government never reach a compromise, the Nigerian student continues to be at the receiving end. The psychological trauma of missing a school session can be unbearable. In situations where the ASUU strike is eventually called off, the academic session is usually rushed.
How does the student apply what he has learnt? How does he recall his lectures when he has spent most of his time at home idle. It is difficult for a student to read and study at home because of the environment and the many distractions. In the school environment, the student has access to the library, can attend tutorials and group discussions, all of which aid better assimilation of the subject matter.
Unfortunately, this had been the longest ASUU strike lingering for nine months. From all indications, the government and the University lecturers are not bulging. The last time I checked, the government was considering other options than yielding to ASUU demands. According to the government, ASUU demands are outrageous. ASUU, on the other hand, is not relenting. Previously there has been a back and forth motion with their agreements. This happens to be the last straw that broke the camel’s back. For ASUU, it was either their demands are met or aluta continua. They are not even threatened by the government stance.
The worse that could happen would be another massive brain drain of the best of lecturers. When lecturers are poorly paid in an unconducive teaching environment, why wouldn’t they go to where they are appreciated and respected? This would leave the country with half baked and average teachers.
At the end day, the Nigerian student has to take destiny into his hands. The wait for ASUU to call off the strike is not worth it. They should use the period to pursue alternative admissions that would unhindered by such strikes. In the meantime, they can also acquire skills. Technology has made it easier to learn any skill. Instead of staying idle, the Nigerian student should use skills learnt to fetch a means of living. Time waits for nobody.