Don’t allow strike deter you from pursuing ambitions, Gbaja tells students

Femi Gbajabiamila, speaker of the house of representatives, says students should not be discouraged by the months spent on strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

The national executive council (NEC) of ASUU, on Friday, resolved to suspend the strike during an overnight meeting from Thursday to Friday.

ASUU had embarked on strike in February over revitalisation of public universities, review of lecturers’ salaries and allowances, among other issues.

In a statement on Friday, Gbajabiamila expressed appreciation to stakeholders who were involved in resolving the issues around the strike.

He also commended ASUU for the decision to suspend the strike.

“I thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha; Minister of Education, Alhaji Adamu Adamu; Minister of Labour, Senator Chris Ngige; Professor Emmanuel Osodeke and the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for working to resolve the issues that necessitated the strike action,” the statement reads.

“I also appreciate my colleagues in the House of Representatives for the decision to intervene in negotiations with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

“I am confident that the House will endeavour to ensure that the Federal Government keeps its commitments to the union and universities.

“Our public universities should be citadels of learning and innovation, where young people discover themselves and reach for the stars.  That is not now the case. Changing that requires that we admit certain harsh truths and take radical action.

“The suspension of this strike does not mean all the issues of funding, education standard, and student and staff welfare have been resolved. Therefore, we must not rest on our oars. Instead, let this be a call to action for the government, universities, unions, and citizens to begin the critical conversation about the future of public tertiary education in the country. I assure you that this is an objective the House of Representatives will pursue with dedication and determination.

“I wish our young people Godspeed as they return to school.  I encourage them to ensure that the disruption to the academic calendar does not deter them from pursuing their ambitions and achieving their best dreams.”