By: Amb. Akanbi Ilyas Shola
Good day ladies and gentlemen!
Firstly, my salutation and greetings to eminent men behind this palatable convergence.
And also, my greetings go to the honorable members on seat.
I am by name Olarewaju Faruq Gbolahan from Grandplus College of Education Ilorin Kwara State.
It is a great privilege for me and my people to be here.
Coming down to the purpose of our convergence today, concerning the "What is the way forward on the ASSU and Colleges Of Education Academic Staff Union Strike which is currently going on.
I will like to fault the federal government inaction over the settlement of what this unions are requesting for.
Apparently,the unions are not at fault rather the government is at fault.
Why?
Because, I believe that for any responsive or responsible Government who truly has the love of the country at heart, I think nothing is expected to get them hesitated to swiftly give the much attention needed in our educational sector, which I believe is one of the sectors that contributes immensely to the development of any nation or country.
But it is so unfortunate that Nigerian government tends not to value our education and this is simply because they have no children schooling in Nigeria!
In Nigeria, there is no year that ASSU does not go on strike. It is always a strategy that they employ in order to ensure that their demands are met, not only that but it is also the language which the federal government understands.
Obviously, the economic and social consequences of the strike are enormous, for instance a programme that is supposed to last for four years will last for five or six years.
In addition, the industrial acton by the universities lecturers over the years had negatively affected our tertiary education system, including the global ranking of Nigerian universities.
Let's come to think of it, the lecturers are not asking for too much.
To be candid, the Colleges Of Education and Universities lecturers are highly dedicated and patriotic.
At this juncture, I will like to urge the Unions and Federal Government to harmoniously work together inorder to ensure that the students are back on their various campuses and also the Federal Government should try as much as possible to turn a listening ears to the Unions demands which I believe by so doing, will stop incessant strike.
Nigeria is our country and we cannot deny it even though some have the citizenship of another country.
And I want to use this medium to implore the Nigerian youths to endeavor to vote for the right candidate come 2023. It is important to also note that these political gladiators will surely come with money to use it to induce or convince you so that you would vote for them. But permit me to tell you that it is important to vote by conscience not by condition. Factually, there is poverty in the land, but that should not get us much frustrated to the extence that we will vote for the wrong or incompetent candidate all in the name of 5,000 naira or 10,000 naira.
Finally, you will all permit me to conclude my speech with the National Pledge...
"I pledge to Nigeria my country,
To be faithful, loyal and honest
To serve Nigeria with all my strength
To defend her unity
And uphold her honour and Glory
So help me God
Amen.”
Comrade Olarewaju Faruq Gbolahan.
_The SUG president of Grandplus College Of Education Ilorin, Kwara state._
Sign by
Amb. Akanbi Ilyas Shola
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