The lingering strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is a worse threat to Nigeria’s economic growth, compared to COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, the nation’s youths have said.
The youths noted that the strike by the university teachers would slow down the nation’s economic recovery and growth plan.
They spoke in Abuja at an event jointly organised and convened by the Nigerian Youth SDGs Network and Oxfam in Nigeria, to celebrate the 2022 International Youth Day with the theme: Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating A World For All Ages.
The Nigeria Youth SDGs Network has over 200 civil society groups and youth leaders across Nigeria.
The Programmes Officer of Nigeria Youths SDGs Network, Diezani Ototo, expressed worry that the ongoing strike by ASUU members would not end until the Federal Government meets the lecturers’ demands.
She said: “The strike is very worrisome. The government has to do something about it. The truth is that this strike will not end until the government agrees to come to a consensus.
“I believe that one of the things that is very important is for the government and the universities to come to a consensus regarding the amount being asked for. It’s not too much.
“I believe the government needs to do more for the universities and the professors, the people that work so hard.”
Ototo said this year’s 2022 Youth Day highlighted the importance of leveraging the full potential of all generations and fostering equitable intergenerational relations and partnerships across all age groups.
“The 2022 International Youth Day will further raise awareness on certain barriers to intergenerational solidarity, notably ageism, which impacts young and old persons while negatively affecting society.
“In Nigeria, young people experience age-related barriers in various spheres, including institutions, justice and relationships. Ageism in political participation limits young people’s opportunities to contest and contribute to the decision-making process,” she added.
Head of Programme and Influencing at Oxfam in Nigeria, Abdul-Aziz Musa, said Nigeria could not solve its major present and future challenges without considering the input of the young generation.
The Oxfam officer urged the government to resolve ASUU’s incessant strikes once and for all.
Culled from the Nation Newspaper - https://thenationonlineng.net/asuu-strike-worse-threat-to-nigeria-than-covid-19-russia-ukraine-war/
