2023: Vote Candidates Who Believe In Education — ASUU, ASUP

The leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) have urged Nigerians to elect leaders who appreciate education in the forthcoming elections.

During an interview, the National Presidents of the unions, Prof. Emmanuel Osideke and Dr Anderson Ezeibe said the only way to end the constant strike actions was for Nigerians to vote for leaders who value education.

“I hope after the election, we will have somebody who believes in education as the catalyst for the growth of the country because the current government doesn’t believe in it.

"The motivation for development for any government is an investment in education, especially tertiary education,“ Osodeke said.

He further stated that the industrial action was not the actual problem but an indication of an issue.

The ASUU boss added: “Any day we have a government that is serious about education, we won’t have strike actions again. When you invest in education, there won’t be a strike.

"We were negotiating, and we have gone far. Suddenly, the government disbanded the committee because they believed that the court has ordered ASUU to resume.

“We should look for someone who believes in education and believes that for you to grow, you must have a good education and quality healthcare.

“Among the 18 contestants, look for the one that has education plans and believes in investing in education.”

Dr Dele Ashiru, the Chairman of ASUU, University of Lagos chapter also said: 

“ASUU expects the conclusion of the 2022 FGN/ASUU Renegotiated Agreement, payment of all withheld salaries, a commitment to adequate funding of education at all levels as well as a demonstration of absolute fidelity with the Agreement when eventually signed. What we need is System Change.

“Irrespective of who wins the election unless we change the system it may be difficult to move forward as a nation.”