Prof Jide Osuntokun has condemned the ongoing strike by the
Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), describing it as
destructive and retrogressive for the university system.
In an interview at the special prayers and thanksgiving
organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Throne of
Grace, headquarters, Lagos, he said: "I am totally against the
strike as it has destroyed the university system in Nigeria.
People no longer respect our degrees outside the country
because we always go on strike."
He noted that the strike is not fair on parents who spend their
fortunes sponsoring their wards for a four-year course only for
them to end up spending eight to 10 years in school because
of strike.
"ASUU can negotiate for better salary and reward without
going on strike at the least excuse because the students and
the parents are often the victims," he said.
He said dialogue and negotiations between the lecturers and
federal government on their salaries and other issues would
provide lasting solution to the miriads of problem bedeviling
the university system than the incessant strikes.
Osuntokun asserted that it is very disheartening for lecturers
to be comparing themselves with the law makers who earn
N24 million per month because teaching is a divine calling.
He also appealed to the federal government to stop the
creation of the new nine federal universities which according
to him 'is only borne out of politics in the educational sector'
"I do not support the creation of nine federal universities
because the existing institutions lack the basis infrastructure
and know how that can match up with the best university in
the world," he added.
0 100000:
Post a Comment