Now That ASUU Four Months Strike is Over
Hopefully, by this time next week the four months strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) occasiond by the Union’s face-off with the Federal Government would have been laid to rest..
Within this trying period for both students, parents, lecturers and indeed the Federal Government, one would expect that all concerned may have had enough rest to the point of uncomfort.
Indeed both parties and stakeholders in the academic sector started observing the law of diminishing return as everybody’s desire points to how to end the lingering empass.
However, an English adage posits that when two elephants fight, that it is the grasses that suffer. That is why it will not be proper to estimate here the losses of these our undergraduates during the period.
Are we talking about those whose graduation has been pushed forward till next year, or those who have been nabbed in one criminal activity because of the idleness which the strike created and those who have lost their lives and dear ones within this four months strike?
All these and many more are the gains and pains of the consequences of the preventable strike if wise counsel had prevailed at the appropriate time.
While everybody is gearing up for full normal academic work in the Universities, it is very important to warn rather than advice both students, lecturers and school authorities on the need to purge themselves of those things that would hamper normal academic activities.
Much has already been lost both in terms of real and quality teaching and learning which can only be remedied by serious and quality teaching.
Lecturers should also guard against such selfish tendencies that could pitch them against the students and parents alike.
Such tendencies includes high cost of handouts which most of the lecturers indirectly make compulsory to their students just because of their selfish financial ambitions.
In as much as we thank all those who played one role or the other as well as made several sacrifices while the strike lasted, we urge both the Lecturers and school authorities to ensure that all the bottlenecks within are removed to ensure serious academic work without further delay and in the interest of our school system.
Senator Uzodinma; A True Democrat/Epitome Of Good leadership
Driven by man’s inhumanity to man, coupled with the crave for quality leadership and true representation, Senator Hope Uzodinma (Onwa) has proven his worth in the upper legislative chambers through his score of achievements within a short period in the upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly. He was duly elected to proudly represent the good people of Orlu Senatorial Zone in the 2011 general elections 3 years old. A focused and dedicated businessman, philanthropist cum politician, Senator Uzodinma’s antecedents over the years in the Senate surpasses all. These and many more values have endeared him unto a pedestal political stardom which cuts across the nation at large.
Right from his youth, and up to his business/political career Senator Hope Uzodinma has always advocated for the rights and privileges of the Nigerian Youth, women and downtrodden in our society. His magnanimity, astuteness and high level intellectual ability is second to non, and best explains his extolling leadership qualities which has earned him Chairperson of one of the most sensitive committees in the Senate, even as a first his personal successful career path, he strongly believes in human capital development, which has been his pivot in championing youth empowerment through education, community development and other mentoring programmes.
According to Senator Hope, “the youths are the strength of a nation”. If you train a child, you are empowering the future leaders of tomorrow. His love for the youths has given birth to so many developmental programme aimed geared towards at restoration of Hope of the Nigerian Youth, and also falls into consonance with the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. Just as the scriptures opines; A prophet is not recognized in his home town”, I hereby sincerely indulge the good people of Orlu Zone, with particular reference to the youths to look beyond party politics, sentiments personal aggrandizements, in encouraging a man who means well for them. A man of the people (Onwa Oyoko).
By Olisa Maduagwu
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