The visitor to University of Ibadan and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari who was represented by Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC) Prof. Adamu Rasheed at the 74th Foundation Day/Convocation Ceremonies of the premier university has appealed to Academic Staff Union Universities (ASUU) and other trade unions in the country to shun strike as last weapon to press home their demands from government.
Prof. Rasheed made the statement while speaking at convocation ceremony for 153 graduands of Doctor of Philosophy degrees at the International Conference Centre, UI. He called on ASUU and other trade unions to always embrace negotiation with government instead of embarking on strike.
In his words, he said Federal Government remains committed to the welfare of staff and students within the limit of available resources.
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“As we are all aware, the university system holds the key to the future for any nation.Therefore, there is the need for discipline and stability in our universities.
“It is disheartening that in the outgoing year, virtually all the university trade unions, ASUU, SSANU, NASU and NAT declared protracted trade disputes with dire consequences for our economy.
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“Unnecessary disruption of the academic calendar of our universities and the consequent feelings of frustration and insecurity among our youths.
“I must state clearly that there is need for the trade unions especially ASUU to shun the weapon of strike action as a tool for pressing home their demands.
“Strike actions only compound the already poor state of our education sector and erode the national and international reputations of our public universities.
“I therefore wish to appeal to our unions to always show restrains and seek their goals through negotiation and mutual respect at all times.
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”FG’s commitment to education across board remains unshakeable. We know tertiary education is fundamental to knowledge economy. It is important to state that national economy is not healthy prior and after COVID-19 pandemic”.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III said a lot needs to be done to avert future strike in tertiary institutions. He appealed to ASUU to always explore all necessary tools to get crisis resolved before embarking on strike. He stressed that the worst hit are the students when ASUU embarked on strike.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun spoke on the need to restore stability to university system.
He urged graduands to carry themselves with pride, dignity and publicize the institution that produced them.
