President Buhari appeals to ASSU to end ongoing strike

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday in Daura, Katsina state, called on the Academic Staff Union of Universities to reconsider its position on the ongoing strike, expressing concern that the break will have generational consequences on families, the education system and the country's future development.

The president, who received some All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, lawmakers and political leaders at his residence, said the strike has already taken a toll on the psychology of parents, students and other stakeholders and raised many moral issues worthy of attention.

Noting that the country's future depends on the quality of educational institutions and education, President Buhari assured that the government understands its position and that negotiations with students in the classrooms should continue.

"We hope that ASUU will sympathize with the people in the extended strike. Verily enough is enough to keep the students at home. For heaven's sake don't hurt the next generation," he said.

The President called on all well-meaning Nigerians, especially those close to the leaders and members of the association, to step in and persuade the faculty to reconsider their position and the implications for an entire generation and the nation.

President Buhari said students at Nigerian universities face the challenge of competing in a highly connected and technology-driven work environment, and keeping them at home only deprives them of the time, skills and opportunities to be relevant on the global stage.

“Colonial education was designed to produce workers in government. These jobs no longer exist. Our young people should receive an education that prepares them for independence. Education is now for education's sake.

“Technology makes us much more efficient. We should encourage our children to get an education and not just look for government jobs," he added.

President Buhari said resources should be directed more into building infrastructure and running the health and education sectors, not expanding bureaucracy to create job opportunities.

"By this time next year I would have made the best of both terms and I will do my best for the remaining months," the president noted.

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