By Faith Igbudu
Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi chapter, Dr Kwaghfan Tarnongu, has described as successful, the just suspended ASUU strike, saying it brought to the fore, problems bedeviling the university system.
He disclosed this to The Voice Thursday in Makurdi during an interview about the strike.
According to him, some persons will describe the strike as a failure, especially as it failed to achieve the desired results but he said the strike was very successful, noting that most Nigerians became aware of the plight and challenges of ASUU.
He prayed that the government will do as it has promised the union as intervened by the Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, in order to forestall strike actions again.
“People had different ways of seeing the strike. some say it was not successful but for us in the system, it was successful because the problems of the university were brought to the fore and many people now know more about the problems bedeviling the university system.
“Yes we were compelled by the court to return to class but it is also on record that many Nigerians intervened to make sure that the strike was suspended. By and large, the strike was successful. The things Mr Speaker promised, are being worked on. We hope that the government, on her part will keep to its side of the bargain,” he stated.
He stated that the lack of will power on the part of the government is solely responsible for the incessant strike actions by the union, stating that the union does not want strikes but it is usually being pushed to the wall to tow that line.
“For us as lecturers, all we ask for is the good and political will on the side of the government, who are the actors. Any nation that wants to develop ensures that there is positive development in the education sector. There are some nations that don’t have natural resources but with only educational resources and they are functioning very well,” he said.
The ASUU chairman further explained that members of his union are glad to return back to class. “We are happy to be back to class, that’s what we chose to do. We chose to lecture. ASUU as a union does not desire a strike. This things are brought upon the union. When we are forced to stay at home, we are very unhappy so we are happy to be back,” he maintained.
