The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has once more issued an indefinite strike over broken promises by the Federal Government, stopping academic activities in public universities nationwide. The union blames the government for not acting on longstanding agreements regarding funding, wages, and the autonomy of universities.
For the majority of Nigerian students, this is another cycle of frustration and uncertainty in words. Schooling is put on hold, academic calendars disrupted, and futures delayed, all because two giant interests cannot find common ground. As ASUU insists that it’s fighting for a better education system, going through shutting down schools repeatedly leaves nothing to be desired when it comes to moral quality. The students that they frame themselves as safeguarding are always the most impacted.
The truth is, ASUU has become overly self-satisfied using the strike tool as its one and only bargaining chip. The union’s refusal to bend shows callousness towards the students on whose future their classrooms hang. There are other peaceful, creative, and relentless ways to put pressure on the government without conceding the study rhythm of an entire generation.
But the government bears also a disproportionate share of fault. It has not been open and accountable in its conduct. While leaders enjoy luxuries and corruption stories are the news, it is difficult to persuade any individual that the government lacks the money to accommodate ASUU’s demands. Transparency of the public spending and constant justifications of “limited funds” no longer convince Nigerians. It sends the wrong message, that education does not matter.
This battle between the government and ASUU has been going on for decades, and nothing ever changes. Both parties continue to justify themselves as Nigerian students waste valuable time, opportunities, and morale. It is shameful that Nigerian students still live in apprehension of another strike whenever negotiations break down in 2025.
It is time the Federal Government and ASUU acted in conscience. The government must be frank, transparent, and resolute to save public education, while ASUU must find wiser, student-positive ways to fight its battles. The fate of this country is in the balance, and the students must no longer pay the price for their inability to find common ground.
