Alumni Associations of Nigerian Universities have expressed concern over the unabated crises between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), and the Federal Government and the continued closure of universities in Nigeria.
As a result, the associations, in a joint statement, called on the Federal Government to urgently put in place a mechanism to holistically address the concerns and demands of the striking lecturers and other university staff.
This, they said, is imperative as “globally, education is government-driven followed by other linked chains like lecturers, parents, students and other stakeholders.”
In a letter signed by the Presidents of six University Alumni Associations, they noted that “no nation wanting to get to the Promised Land, and indeed aspiring to be a member of the comity of enlightened nations would toy with education.”
They equally drew the attention of government to the recurrent crises in Nigeria, especially the spate of terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, money rituals, prostitution, and other social vices, noting that these are some of the consequences of youths not being critically engaged.
“A situation where millions of students are locked out of campuses portends a grave danger for the county,” the associations lamented.
They disclosed that the all-time honoured aphorism that an idle brain is the devil’s workshop was instructive, and urged the government to ensure that the crises in the county are not further exacerbated by allowing these youths to be willing tools for social vices.
A situation where millions of students are locked out of campuses portends a grave danger for the county.
The Association therefore called on the Presidency to wade into the matter as a matter of utmost concern so that all contending issues are speedily and expeditiously resolved.
The Alumni also pleaded with the leadership of ASUU to sheath its sword and recall its members back to the universities as they have made their point.
“The opinion of the members of the public generally is in favour of resumption of academic activities in the universities that have been closed for over six months now,” they concluded.
The statement was signed by the President (Worldwide), University of Lagos Alumni Association, Dr. John Momoh; National Chairman, Conference of Alumni Associations of Nigerian Universities (CAANU) for ABU Alumni Association, Prof. Ahmed Tijani Mora; and President, University of Ibadan Alumni, Prof. Elsie Adewoye.
Others are the President University of Calabar Alumni Prof. Yakubu Aboki Ochefu; President, University of Jos Alumni, Pst. Nuhu Sani; and President, University of Port Harcourt Alumni, Pst. Ule Williams Glad.
