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From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
Mixed reactions have trailed the decision by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to call off its eight-month strike on Friday. The decision to suspend the strike was taken at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of ASUU on Friday morning.
In a statement announcing the suspension of the strike, ASUU National President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, regretted that issues leading to the strike were yet to be met satisfactorily.
While some students have expressed excitement over the end of the protracted strike and the prospect of finally returning to class, others have expressed disappointment that the union was unable to accomplish its goal after such a long time and had to settle for a conditional suspension of the strike despite wasting the students’ time for nine months.
Another category of students has also lamented that the window given by ASUU for students to resume is too short for parents to meet up.
Wale Banjo, a student of University of Ibadan described the suspension of the eight-month strike as a huge relief. Brenda Audu, a 200-level student of Nasarrawa State University said: “I’m super excited. As a final year student, I’ve been itching to graduate and pursue other dreams, but the strike slowed me down. Now it’s over, I can’t wait to return to school.”
Miracle Onyema, a 500-level student of University of Nigeria Nsukka, said: “Well, at least graduation is in view.”
But Oluwa Philip said he does not consider the strike suspension a feat for the students. “Do you know the level of stagnation of peoples career, goals, etc? Some persons would have been through with BSc, MSc and move on to greater things, but are stuck. What exactly are you congratulating me for,” he queried.
