ASUU Strike: Student Group Demands Education Minister’s Resignation

The student wing of Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), on Thursday, demanded the immediate resignation of Education Minister, Adamu Adamu, over his alleged failure to bring to an end the current strike by members of  the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities.

 “The government, in particular the Minister of Education, lacks the political will, capacity and willingness to bring the matter to an end, as such he should resign with immediate effect,” the students declared at a press conference in Katsina, through their National Coordinator, Jamilu Charanchi.

 The students reviewed the current national strike by ASUU members, insisting the Federal Government seemed not to be bothered about their future and about the negative effects that  strikes had been having on them.

The student wing of the Coalition declared that if government fails to find immediate solution to the strike, its members would collaborate with the National Association of Nigerian Students in its proposed ‘National Day of Action’, to ensure total shutdown of the country.

 In an address read by Charanchi, they said: “The student wing of the Coalition of Northern Groups is worried that the four-week warning strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities is already in its third week, with no hope for a resolution in sight, while our universities remain shut. We are concerned at the frequency of the disruption of the Nigerian education system that keeps frustrating the ambitions and aspirations of the youths to acquire knowledge.

“Sadly, this strike is the second industrial action embarked on by ASUU in less than two years, and the 16th since the inception of the fourth republic democracy in 1999.

“While we commend the efforts of the apex student body, the National Association of Nigerian Students, in calling attention to the implications of such actions, we condemn with all our might the shameful walk out on NANS by the Minister of Education. We see the action of the Minister as a gross show of unconscionable immorality, insensitivity, and impunity abhorrent to the collective sensibilities of the students, parents and, indeed, the country at large.

“The government, in particular, the Minister of Education, lacks the political will, capacity and willingness to bring the matter to an end, and as such, he should resign with immediate effect.

“Failure of the government to resolve the matter within the stipulated time, the CNG student wing will join hands with NANS in ensuring total shutdown of the country.

“We condemn the failure of stakeholders to summon the courage to speak out and stand with us in these trying times. When people who are elected in to office are indifferent or afraid to stand for what is right and just, then the situation is hopeless.

“It’s unfortunate that people in government today, who in their life history benefited from the generosity and welfare of the Nigerian State, are now denying the new generation of same. This singular act has not showcased government’s responsiveness towards promoting inclusive education. This is disheartening to all well-meaning Nigerians and we urge the government to reconsider and rescind its decision.

“In line with the above, we hereby direct all National Excos, State structures, Campus structures, Faculty Senators and Departmental Ambassadors to commence massive public mobilisation in readiness for an impending National Day.”