Prolonged ASUU Strike Shows Lack of Compassion for Students, Says Saraki
Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has expressed deep concern over the prolonged strike actions embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), describing them as a reflection of a lack of compassion for Nigerian students whose academic futures continue to suffer.
Saraki made this assertion while reacting to the recurring industrial actions that have repeatedly disrupted academic activities in public universities across the country. According to him, while the demands of university lecturers may be valid, the extended shutdown of universities places an unfair burden on students who are the most affected stakeholders in the education sector.
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Students Bear the Brunt
Saraki noted that Nigerian students have become “collateral damage” in disputes between the government and university unions. He emphasized that prolonged strikes derail academic calendars, delay graduations, and worsen unemployment, mental health challenges, and social vices among young people.
“No matter how legitimate the grievances are, shutting down universities for months or years shows a lack of empathy for students who have no control over these negotiations,” Saraki stated.
He further argued that many students from low-income backgrounds depend on the university system as a pathway to social mobility, and repeated strikes only widen inequality.
Call for Dialogue and Reform
The former Senate President urged both ASUU and the Federal Government to embrace continuous dialogue, compromise, and institutional reforms rather than resorting to prolonged industrial actions. He stressed that education should never be used as a bargaining tool.
Saraki also called on the government to address the root causes of the disputes, including underfunding of education, poor infrastructure, unpaid entitlements, and outdated policies, while encouraging ASUU to explore alternative dispute-resolution mechanisms that do not involve shutting down universities.
Impact on Nigeria’s Education System
According to Saraki, the repeated ASUU strikes have damaged Nigeria’s global academic reputation, forcing students to seek education abroad and contributing to brain drain. He warned that unless sustainable solutions are implemented, the country risks producing graduates who are uncompetitive in the global market due to prolonged disruptions in their education.
Way Forward
Saraki concluded by advocating for a long-term education reform framework that prioritizes students’ welfare, ensures stable academic calendars, and promotes accountability on all sides.
“The future of Nigeria rests on its youth. Any system that continuously sacrifices students in unresolved disputes is failing in its responsibility,” he said.
