.Urge ASUU to shun strike, explore negotiations
AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
The President, Muhammadu Buhari, has congratulated the management of the University of Ibadan on the occasion of the institution’s 74th Foundation Day ceremony held on Thursday at the International Conference Centre, UI, expressing satisfaction on its rising profile among the comity of universities locally and internationally.
The president, who lauded the management of the university for its efforts in maintaining the high pedigree upon which the institution was established, made particular reference to the role of the institution in enhancing postgraduate education within and outside the country.
Buhari, represented on the occasion by Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, urged the institution not to relent in maintaining the high standard for which it was known.
Among other personalities, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar Ill, who doubles as the Chancellor of UI; the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; and the VC, University of Namibia, Kenneth Kamwi Matengu, also congratulated the students, staff and management of the university for the great strides made over the years despite challenges.
In his address, the president said, “I salute the university for its lead role and the production of the much needed academic staff for tertiary institutions within and outside Nigeria. 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, unnecessary disruption of the academic calendar of our universities and the consequent feelings of frustration and insecurity among our youth.
“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.
“Let me assure all stakeholders in the educational sector that the Federal Government remains committed to the welfare of all staff and students. We shall continue to deal with the many contending issues in our various institutions within the limit of the resources available to government.
“On their part, the university staff and other stakeholders need to appreciate the fact that our national economy, like the economies of most countries of the world, has not been in good shape and even before the creeping COVID-19, but my government’s commitment to education remains unshaking.
“The universities are expected to formulate patriotic ideas by identifying with national course and observing corporate discipline through competent management and accountability in their various operations.
“As much as possibles, the university determines the quality of the future leaders of any nation. As others countries in the world are galvanise to higher level of world recognition by their universities, Nigeria tertiary institutions cannot afford to be different. It is an established fact that no country can achieve an accelerated development without a considerable investment in education.
“To this end, I wish to place on record the support of various individuals and corporate organisations who have complemented the effort of the Federal Government’s financial support by giving various benefactions in the last years to the University of Ibadan towards the provision of infrastructural facilities to aid learning, teaching and research.”
In his own speech, Sultan Abubakar said, “According to the Times Higher Education ranking for the year 2023, UI was ranked first in Nigeria, 7th in Africa and among the first 500 universities in the world.
“The feat gladdens my heart as this prestigious university has been forged through decades of achievements and a tradition of innovation. I must remind us that outstanding performance require outstanding facilities. We, therefore, solicit for more funding to sustain our cutting-edge research and remain the best.
“At this juncture, I must plead with our unions to shun the weapon of strike action as a tool for pressing home their demands as strike actions though potent, only compound the already poor state of the education sector.
“The protracted eight months industrial action witnessed this year disrupted the academic calendar, keeping our children at home at the detriment of their education. We hope the unions would explore other dispute resolution mechanisms when the need arises.”
Odigie-Oyegun, who is the Pro-Chancellor of UI, making reference to the eight months strike by ASUU, said that “After the prolonged industrial action, we are happy that academic activities have returned to our universities. I think our youth had suffered enough, but that does not mean that our lecturers do not deserve better condition of service. I thank God that the strike is over.
“One does not know what the agreements between ASUU and the Federal Government are but I hope that things would improve.
“May I at this juncture plead will all unions that it is important we sheath our sword in order to ensure a crisis free and uninterrupted academic session in the university in the interest of our youth who are the future generation.
“As the governing council of this university, we have demonstrated at all times that we are always ready to listen and dialogue with the various unions with a view to satisfying legitimate demands within the ambits of rules and resources available to the university.”
Matengu reminded the graduating students of the need to go out with a resolve to key into the African development agenda using problem solving approach.
The Vice-Chancellor of UI, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, who said that his administration would not relent in tackling the challenges associated with providing a healthy, safe and conducive environment for sound education, urged the Federal Government to increase funding to universities in a bid to enhance quality research and ICT infrastructural development.
A total of 153 students from different fields of study, bagged the Doctor of Philosophy degrees.
Among the dignitaries at the event were the representatives of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan; the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Lekan Balogun and the VC, University of Namibia, Kenneth Kamwi.
