The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is a trade union whose goals include upholding and furthering the socio-economic and cultural interests of the country as well as regulating the relationships between academic staff and employers. Established in 1978, although ASUU forerunner, the Nigerian Association of University Teachers (NAUT), was established in 1965 to represent the academic staff at the University of Ibadan, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Ife and University of Lagos.
Most public universities in Nigeria were forced to close as a result of the recent ASUU strike, which started on February 14. This unwelcome break in academic activities left most students unsure of what to do next and with little to no hope of resumption.
Among the numerous reasons for the strike, the unfulfilled promises by the Federal Government have been the bane of the strike, which has also broken the trust system ASUU has in them. Also, the refusal of the Federal Government to pay the six-month salaries of the lecturers’ union has been adding more passion to the unyielding spirits of the union recently. On 14th of October, 2022, the Academic Staff Union of University suspended her 8 months strike.
The brawl between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities in has led some learners with rich background move on to expensive private universities or move them to study abroad. While parents who are extremely poor and could not afford two square meals a day had been left to suffer for no reason. However, some students engage themselves in different profitable ventures, learning new skills, inventing new technologies and participating in apprenticeship in different parts of Nigeria.
Bello Abdul Hakeem, a native of Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State. He was born to a family of four (4) and he is the second child. Hakeem grew up with his family in Iseyin. He had his primary and secondary education in Iseyin and currently a student at University of Ibadan.
In an interview with The Muslim Voice NG on Friday, the 100L Biochemistry Student of the University of Ibadan (UI), Abdul Hakeem, has described how he spent his time during the prolonged strike by ASUU, his new skills and advice for fellow Nigerian students.
MV: The adage “an idle man is the devil’s workshop” is well recognized. What are you doing while the strike is in effect?
BA: At the inception of the strike, I was depressed. Being a newly admitted student, I wasn’t delighted to return back home as early as that. I stayed on campus for about four weeks. During the period, I attended a Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Graphic Design Class to improve my graphic design skill. After the class, we were sent out of the hostel and I returned back home. On getting home, Daud Abiola hosted a class on UI/UX Design…. I joined the class which was held over 8 weeks. That was where the network came from. After the UI/UX Design class, I also attended Webflow Development class at the same venue.
Daud Abiola being a veteran and one of the top 1% linkedin Freelancing single-handedly train us on LinkedIn Optimization and Pitching.
And over the last two months, I’ve put everything I learnt into practice and I personally can vouch for my growth.
MV: For the majority of students, the past eight months have been absolute torment. How did you make it through that time?
BA: To be sincere, the economy was harsh. Many students are working and earning. Sometimes I become envious of them because they have the means to save towards the resumption. But I was only satisfied with the meagre I am making from my Graphic Design skill. And sometimes when the hardship got to the peak, I seek for asylum in my parents. Things were hard though, but my dedication didn’t allow me to waiver.
MV: Most students thought the lengthy ASUU strike was unfair. What is your opinion?
BA: For real, ASUU strike has its touch on everyone. If I’m to be sincere, ASUU strike has actually stolen not less than 2 years from me. Because, I actually wrote my last JAMB in 2020 and this is me in 100 level first semester. ASUU strike is time wastage but for me , I always seek for opportunity in every problem. So, I always advise people to go for an internship or part-time job as this will improve their Resume when they get into the labour market.
MV: “Nigeria, where life after school isn’t predictable.” What did you intend by that?
BA: Many students in Nigeria University enrolled mainly to become a breadwinner in their family. This idea is probably why the unemployment rate in the country is running high. My own belief is different. I’m in school to have exposure. To meet people and project myself for opportunities. If I am to stand by my course of study, I won’t be in the Tech. My discipline is in Medical Sciences but I love exploring and I love being at where there is opportunities. Life after school isn’t predictable because there’s little opportunity out there.
MV: Did you believed the notion that says “the strike has affected the future of Nigerian students”?
BA: I really don’t believe in that… To me, the future is an imaginary day that comes every day. Unless one wasted ones time, everyday where are open to different opportunities. Why should I wait till I graduate before carving my own niche? This idea only works for someone that is only waiting for his graduation before making the next decision in life.
MV: What words of wisdom will you give to your colleagues?
BA: When the going gets tough, the tough get going. We should always seek for opportunity in turbulences.
Related:
Abuja Varsity Student Published 187 Pg Novel during ASUU Strike
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