The former governor of old Anambra State, Dr. Chukwumeka Ezeife, has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, to end its protracted strike in order to save the nation’s education sector from collapsing.
Ezeife, who is the current chairman, Board of Trustees, National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), made the appeal at the inaugural meeting of the board in Abuja.
Speaking on the ongoing strike by the university lecturers, Ezeife said, “Let me use this opportunity to plead with the leadership of ASUU to direct their members back to classes. We understand the many provocations of the Nigerian system, the unfair plunder of the national treasury by the few political operators of the system, the monumental corruption, the conspicuous consumption and squandamania by people who could not have seen the backs of the members of ASSU at school.
“But leaders of ASUU, members of ASUU, think, ruminate and find in kindness of heart, if no reason, to call off the strike. It is about four months now. Please call it off for the sake of the students, some of them are your children.
“Take a look at what is happening to your own children at home and out of school. I chaired a meeting of Southern Nigerian Students Association at Enugu on Saturday, 13th October 2013. The pronouncements of the student showed great hostility to ASSU and the hostility is growing.
“The rank of those implying political motive is growing and it is becoming more difficult for ASUU’s friends to controvert and defend. Please call this strike off for the sake of sustaining the freedom of association and the right to go on strike. ”We are beginning to look unpatriotic, un-parent-like, destructive, damaging in the extreme,” he further stated.
He also appealed to the Federal Government not to rigidly apply the no-work-no-pay rule.
He also promised on behalf of the board to improve on primary and secondary education in the country through enhancement in the quality of teachers.
He said the board members and the management of NCCE had resolved to initiate a no-strike system in at least the federal colleges of education.
“This is achievable, but not by intimidation, deaf ear, disdain or bluff by either party. It calls for effective channels of communication, continuing dialogue, vigilant anticipation and pro-activeness,” he added.
