Education in Crisis: The Cost of Silence and Government Inaction.

By Mujahid Abdullahi Haladu

As it’s well known, no nation can attain meaningful development without quality education.

Any form of regression experienced in a society, whether in economic development, security, science and technology, healthcare, or other sectors can often be traced to deficiencies in the education system. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, the education sector has become increasingly neglected.

It is deeply disheartening and frustrating for any patriotic Nigerian to observe how the government repeatedly enters into various agreements with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) aimed at reforming and improving teaching and learning in the nation’s universities, only to consistently fail to implement those agreements. This pattern clearly reflects a lack of commitment to the educational advancement of the country’s citizens.

However, it’s even more distressing the growing trend of professors and other academic professionals leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad, a development that is significantly detrimental to the quality and future of education in Nigeria.

In light of this, I wish to call upon and appeal to all stakeholders in the country, particularly members of the legislature, the judiciary, Labour Unions,  prominent business leaders, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and all other influential voices to rally in support of ASUU’s demands and advocate for the urgent revitalization of Nigeria’s education sector. This call is especially critical at this time, as ASUU has issued a two-week ultimatum to the government, warning that should it continue to delay in fulfilling its commitments, the union will be left with no choice but to resume industrial action.

This warning comes after nearly two years of patience extended by ASUU to an administration that had promised to end the era of strikes, with the hope that it would address the longstanding challenges affecting the university system. A fresh strike action at this time would undoubtedly result in a major setback for the country’s already fragile educational system. Listen now or pays later!

Mujahid Abdullahi Haladu, (ASUUFUGA media Team Member)

Chemistry Department, Federal University, Gashua.