THERE is a paradox governments have built around education – they are spending billions of Naira on education, yet the financial issues around education are not beming resolved. The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, strike is only one of many matters that are dogging education.
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Government's supposed interests in negotiating with ASUU, the speed being applied, and the uttermost neglect of other aspects of education confirm the diminishing importance that governments attach to education.
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ASUU's case is exceptional, in that governments appeared concerned. When the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, went on strike, it took almost three months before governments started talking to the union. The issue remains partially resolved.
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With the ASUU strike, the failure of governments and their programmes are obvious. Governments sign agreements they do not intend to keep.
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ASUU is on strike over a 2009 agreement. Governments want to re-negotiate implementation of a four year-old agreement.
Education is something we should never take lightly in this country cos that's what makes Nigeria's leaders of tomorrow. We have to take it seriously!