By Ogholi Oghogho Erica
Prior warnings had been given to the state government but all seemed to meet a dead end, thus resulting in yet another indefinite strike as declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities(ASUU) in the Niger Delta University (NDU) on the 10th of December, 2024 and it still holds as of this time this article was written.
Although talks have been going on, the effects of the strike have been felt by all affected parties. The host community, Amassoma, has felt the effect of the departure of the students. The businesses that thrived off the population of the school have been suffering a decline in activities.
The strike has also dealt a blow to the morale of the students. Those who are almost at the finish lines of their studies are frustrated with the development because they have been dealt similar blows in recent years before being dealt this one.
Moreover, the strike messes up with the psych of the students as their education is met by what seems to be a yearly block, in other words, strike. This current strike has put a stop to the momentum that was building towards the concluding exams of the semester. Now , when the strike is called off, there would be a rush to commence and complete exams, which can blindside students.
Interestingly, some students who started at the same time as their peers in other institutions would feel as if they have been left behind because the flow of their academic calender is smoother with less strikes as roadblocks. We now have to ask ourselves, is this not the reason why most people who have the means, go to private universities?
We can all agree that government is making an effort to placate ASUU, but wouldn’t it be better to nip all issues in the bud and ensure that this does not become a norm in our tertiary institutions.
Once lecturers declare strike, it is like a chain reaction. Everyone is affected, from lecturers, to students, to businesses.
It would be in everyone’s best interest if the cause behind the strike is resolved and effort should be made so that it does not happen as frequently as it does so that all academic activities would be back on track, now and in the future.
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