ASUU Strike and How students are surviving

 

By Alani Anuoluwapo Noimot

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has been on strike for six months in protest of the Federal Government's refusal to carry out the deal it signed with the union.

University campuses are deserted as a result of the government and aggrieved union leaders' inability to reach an agreement on the contentious issues of welfare reform, increased university funding, the growth of universities, and the elimination of the contentious Integrated Personnel Payroll and Information System (IPPIS) for the University Transparency and Accountability Payment System (UTAS).

The government and the union have met numerous times, but neither side has yet reached an understanding on the problems, and lecturers have persisted in avoiding the classroom.

The government and ASUU have been urged to find common ground and reopen colleges in protests led by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) at various points.

While many are learning new talents, some have begun petty trade to maintain body and soul, and a few are at home unsure of their future course of action.

Michael Akpan, a student at Nnamdi Azikwe University in Awka, Anambra State, for instance, claimed he had begun learning web design and will keep doing so even after the strike is called off in order to earn additional money.

Fatimah Ajibola, a final-year student at the University of Ilorin, said she has been developing skills ever since it began. "I'm learning how to do hair and how to develop graphics. I had hoped to graduate (this year) and subsequently engage in more fulfilling activities. If I get good at hairdressing, I can open my own business and make money from it every day while I do other things.

Esther Paul, a student at the University of Uyo in Akwa Ibom State, claimed that she had used the strike's opportunity to pursue digital coursework rather than the more conventional classroom setting. Paul claimed that through numerous training programs, she is enhancing her abilities.

Precious Adeola, a student at the Federal University of Technology in Akure, finds the time monotonous because there are no jobs available. "Even though I spend all of my time indoors caring for my siblings, I secretly wish I could learn a skill—specifically, tailoring—or find a job to keep myself occupied until the storm is over. It is so annoying because I feel so worthless and do nothing.

Olabisi Onabanjo University's Moses Elegbede expressed dissatisfaction about the government's inaction and the ongoing strikes by university faculty members.

Elegbede, however, claimed that in order to improve himself while the strike is still in effect, he has started taking online classes.

Chinedu Dickson, a student at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, claimed he is currently employed as a bartender in a local nightclub. I return to work at six. 00 pm and close at 4 or 5 in the morning. I also hawk women's clothing and footwear on the streets. I must keep moving forward. There is nothing for me to do in my village in Enugu, therefore I can't bring myself to go back, so I stay here and work.

Jennifer Ndukwe, a student at the University of Ibadan studying at the 300-level, has enrolled for skill acquisition training with a focus on donning makeup and tying headgear.

Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife student Bolashade Omoniyun said that she has enrolled in a short-term course at a catering school where she is studying catering administration, food and beverages, as well as the preparation of local and international dishes, among other things.

She expressed hope that after finishing the course, she will be able to earn more money and help her parents pay for her siblings' schooling. “Indeed, my time is not squandered, but well utilised.”

The strike, according to Omolola Ololade of Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ago Iwoye, is a loss of time, knowledge, and unnecessary delay because nothing has been accomplished.

If the strike goes on, Somto Osas of the University of Benin said she plans to enroll in a sewing class in addition to her online crypto course.

Concerned that ongoing strikes have driven many people toward anti-social vices, Alice Ogunyemi of the University of Ibadan voiced her concern. For instance, she claimed that some of her friends were dejected and had made the decision to get married, while others were already pregnant.

“The majority of my peers at private colleges who started their studies at the same time as me have graduated and participated in the required National Youth Service program (NYSC)”.

"I've entered the perfume and cosmetics buying and selling industry. To keep myself busy and to avoid being overly dependent on my parents, I purchase perfumes from Alesinloye Market and sell them to friends and government workers. Depending on clients and the availability of things in the market, I occasionally make between N5, 000 and N6, 000 in a single day. I am pleased with what I am doing. Regardless of whether I work for the government or the commercial sector after graduation, I remain optimistic that I can maintain my business”.