The uncertainty of the prolonged strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) which has lasted over 70 days, has caused distress for students within the Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area.
During a visit to the Borno Library located on Zone B, Mile 2, students complained about the impact of the ongoing strike on their academic goals.
Jennifer Osualeja, a 500-level student studying Industrial Mathematics at the University of Benin said “this strike has really affected many of us.”
“I should have finished my final exams and graduated by now, but I’m still working on my project and learning online skills like affiliate marketing and Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. I’m at the library now to while away some time.”
According to her the government does not care about students, but they care about themselves and their elections.
Ikenwa Goodness is a 500-level student studying Bio-Technology at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, who was spotted sitting in a secluded hall at the library, said, “The ASUU strike has affected me because I’m supposed to have graduated by now and my project work has been delayed.”
“My project supervisor would not answer me now because he feels he is on strike and he shouldn’t work.” I am bored. That’s why I come to the library to learn new things.
Ikenwa also claimed she’s venturing into graphics designing with the hope the newly acquired skill will land her a good job after graduation.
“I think the future of the world is tech and it is the way out for many young people.”
Onowu Chinedu shared his plight as he recalled an ancient proverb of the Kikuyu people, a tribe in Kenya that states, “When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.”
Chinedu is a 200-level student studying Mechanical Engineering at Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka, lamented, saying, “I don’t know the way forward. I pray the strike does not exceed May 14. We are left in God’s hands. “
Chinedu also said he plans to acquire a new skill as the ASUU strike lingers.
Precious Chinasa’s goal is to make clothes for her colleagues when school resumes, and she is currently developing her sewing skills to achieve this goal.
Chinasa is in her final year of studies in parasitology and entomology at Nnamdi Azikwe University.
“I ought to have graduated, but presently I’m at home making clothes for myself.
When the strike is over, I intend to expand my small business and sell it to my colleagues at school.”
