The ongoing ASUU strike in Taraba State has become more than an industrial dispute; it is gradually turning into a political controversy, with students bearing the greatest consequences.
Those who believe the strike will automatically diminish Governor Agbu Kefas’ electoral influence should remember that former Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai won his second term despite a civil service strike. Industrial disputes do not automatically determine electoral outcomes.
If Governor Kefas has promised to address lecturers’ demands, such commitments should be honoured. However, ASUU must equally demonstrate restraint and reconsider the wisdom of keeping innocent students at home.
Government is not the only stakeholder in education. Private individuals, organisations and institutions can also contribute to the financing and management of tertiary education. Persistent industrial disputes may eventually compel governments to reconsider public-private partnerships, although privatisation is not without its own challenges.
Education is everybody’s responsibility, not government alone.
The lecturers are fighting for their welfare, government is defending its commitments, and opposition politicians may be seeking political advantage. But who is fighting for the students?
Students are not bargaining chips. Their future must not be sacrificed on the altar of industrial disputes or political ambition.
Governor Kefas should honour legitimate commitments. ASUU should return to the negotiating table with sincerity. And the opposition should remember that elections are won through the confidence of voters, not merely through the prolonged closure of schools.
LET THE STUDENTS RETURN TO CLASS. TARABA’S FUTURE CANNOT WAIT!
By Liberty Andrew JP, a media practitioner, writes from Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.
