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ASUU STRIKES: Sack And Re-Apply Model As The Ultimate Solution

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  DR ABUBAKAR ALKALI

alkalizai@yahoo.com

 

It is a fact that the greatest threat to the survival of university education in Nigeria today is not the federal government but the academic staff union of universities (ASUU). Indeed, if ASUU can remain unmoved while innocent students who ordinarily should be on their studies are sitting idly at home for 9 months, then something is wrong with ASUU’s strikes. Shutting down universities every now and then is the greatest threat to university education in Nigeria. Even much more than a threat compared to under-funding which could be improved over time.

 

If ASUU is not ready to make concessions, shift ground and offer a middle approach so that the children of ordinary Nigerians can go back to their studies while ASUU’s demands are being considered by the federal government, then we all should have a rethink about any sympathy for ASUU’s perpetual strikes.

 

If ASUU will resist the IPPIS accounting system which is used to check corruption and multiple payments, then we need to ask ASUU questions about their hitherto claim to be at the forefront of the fight against corruption.

 

Why is ASUU not considering the interest of students who are caught up in the ASUU-FG unending fight? Yes, funding for education in Nigeria is not great in the annual budgets but ASUU strikes is certainly not the best method to achieve it. The legal method is better as it protects students because it leaves the universities open. In tangible terms, in what manner has the 32- year old ASUU strikes improved the university system? If anything, any improvements in the ivory towers could have happened normally without ASUU strikes.

 

Clearly, the ASUU strike which has been lingering for 32 years now and counting, needs some long-lasting solutions not short-term contraptions. There is no problem with strikes if they include a trade-off and compromises taking into account the public good not only the good of the members.

 

The fact of the matter is that ASUU is fighting for better salary and allowances under the camouflage of ‘improved university funding’ FULL STOP

 

If ASUU should suspend its strike today, it is because salary arrears are coming in not because any laboratory has been upgraded. Otherwise, ASUU can continue its strike until contractors are sent in and have completed fixing all laboratories, lecture halls, student hostels etc in Nigerian universities.

 

The federal government is the employer so it should specify the terms and conditions under which it wants it’s employees (ASUU) to work, not the other way round. If you employ someone, you should dictate the tune based on the employee’s terms of contract which he/she has accepted through the acceptance letter they signed.

ASUU: The Misunderstood Vaccines Not The Virus

ASUU is saying that they are on strike to press the government to increase its funding on university education albeit many people no longer believe them.

The majority of Nigerians now think ASUU strikes are about improved salary package, not any university upgrade. This view holds some water when juxtaposed with the fact that ASUU only talks about a generalized slogan of ‘improving the university system’ without specifying any baselines or benchmarks. There is no irreducible minimums in ASUU’s demands for ‘improved university infrastructure’. If ASUU is fighting for increased university funding, where is the increased funding going to? Is it to the laboratories or arrears of salaries? These are posers that need looking at.

 

To find a lasting solution to the lingering ASUU strike, the following measures are recommended:

  1. The federal government should disengage all university lecturers, give them fresh conditions of service as to how it wants them to work including enrolment on IPPIS and an option to reapply.
  2. Any lecturer who feels IPPIS is not for him has a decision to make.

Serving lecturers should be given priority in the new recruitment exercise.

  1. The federal government should proscribe ASUU. There shouldn’t be trade unionism in the ivory towers as it is inimical to the development of tertiary education in Nigeria. The National Assembly should pass the necessary laws to this effect.
  2. The federal government should enforce the ‘NO WORK, NO PAY’ rule and stop payment of salary of the ASUU members during the period of strikes. No striking lecturer is entitled to any salary while on strike: From 23rd March 2020 when the latest ASUU strike action was embarked on, no striking lecturer should be entitled to any so-called salary arrears. Salary payments for lecturers should start counting when classes resume.
  3. The federal government should discuss the issue of increased funding for universities with the committee of vice-chancellors and the governing councils.
  4. Students Representatives should be involved by the federal government in any discussions on improvement in infrastructure and upgrade of the universities.

 

As this article is being prepared, news filtered out that the federal government has pledged N35 billion as a ‘revitalization fund’ to get ASUU back to the classrooms. Well, it is good that the federal government is shifting grounds, unlike ASUU. However, the federal government should remember that ASUU will always come back for more money. Voting N35 billion will only be a temporary respite, it will not solve the problem. It is like cutting the tree from the top and leaving out the roots.

 

By the way, the resumption of classes in the universities should be based on strict compliance with the COVID-19 protocols. No classes should resume until the appropriate arrangements are made such as provisions for physical distancing, surplus hand sanitizers and face masks etc.

 

Based on the current scenario, one will be tempted to ask:

  1. How will ASUU not be on strike when they are paid a FULL salary while cooling off at home and/or using their ‘free time’ to engage in other endeavors?
  2. Is it not EASIER to stay at home and receive ‘free money in ARREARS of salary than to be boxed in the classroom?

 

Initially, ASUU said they are on strike for what they called ‘revitalizing infrastructure’ in Nigerian universities. Little did anyone know that ASUU is actually fighting for ‘stomach infrastructure’ N.O.T university infrastructure. One can easily see the link between ASUU’s demands and stomach infrastructure when the ASUU zonal Coordinator Calabar zone Dr. Aniekan Brown said:

‘ASUU cannot go back to class on empty stomach’

 

Why didn’t he say ‘ASUU cannot go back to the classroom until the laboratories are fixed with the right equipment?

 

This time for ASUU, it is empty stomach N.O.T empty laboratories.

 

Most of the N35 billion released by the federal government to ASUU will go to payment of salary arrears, not any university revitalization.

 

ASUU parades itself in the history of the global labor movement as the only employee that tells its employer the terms of its employment including when and how it should be paid its salary and allowances.

Indeed ASUU deserves a place in the Guinness book of records as the only employee who issues orders to its employer.

 

What a lucky ASUU in a country with a short supply of patriotic and courageous leaders? Which employer will allow its employee to dictate the terms of employment after receiving their offer of employment and signing the acceptance of the offer?

 

ASUU said IPPIS is a fraud. This same system (IPPIS) is used by the federal government in salary payment for ALL its civil servants. Are we saying that the federal civil servants under IPPIS do not know what they are doing?  ASUU has now brought what they called UTAS to replace IPPIS. What is wrong with IPPIS that checks multiple Jobs and repetitive salary payments?

ASUU can continue its endless strike to press for a better salary or even get a Professor to catch up with the jumbo salary of a Nigerian senator. The students will eventually win this fight.

ASUU Berates FG on IPPIS and Emoluments

Is ASUU really fighting for an improved university system or better salary and allowances for its members?

Why is ASUU mulling to call off its strike now after N35 billion has been injected? Has the infrastructure in the universities improved? Is there equipment in the laboratories? Are the lecture halls and student hostels fixed?  OR is there going to be payment of salary arrears for ASUU?

Without a doubt, innocent students will eventually triumph after all the games.

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Opinion

Unmasking Excellence : Idris Abdulkadir Zare’s (Jagora) Leadership Style

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By Abba Anwar

Without any doubt, Idris Abdulkadir Zare’s name rings bell in Kano politics, particularly, in his political zone, Kano South. It rings bell not because he is terrifying, but simply because, his name, alone, signifies examplary leadership, selfless service to humanity, genuine loyalty and un-arguable commitment for the survival of the party, All Progressives Congress (APC), in this context.

While he is not a seeker of any elective public office, or party position, as I study him and his political antecedents, he believes, supporting party leadership and followership is one of the surest ways of strengthening the party, against all odds. I kindly call my readers to go to Rogo and substantiate my submission.

Here is a lone Jagora (leader) who spends from his hard earned resources to support the party without thinking of getting anything from anybody, no matter how highly placed, that person could be. His magnanimous touches go beyond party lines. Go to Rogo and seek for more clarification.

If Kano APC is really serious about mending fences, gaining more grassroot support, bouncing back in pre, during and post 2027, people like Idi Zare must be on board. I never met this gentleman. In fact I don’t even know his face, anyway. I come from Dala local government, Kano Central. But I came to know about him for quite sometime now.

He, unlike many of our politicians, made his fortunes outside government. But he spends stupendously in people’s welfare, needs and loyalty. One good thing about him, is, while engaging in such activities, he is not vying for any position. Meaning, this gentleman is acting the script of his good heart. He is indeed a morale booster from whatever standpoint you look at him.

This is somebody whose loyalty is not dangling. He supports what he believes in, with all his heart. By whatever standard, Zare is a Phoenix. And trains people to become that.

I caption this piece, as Unmasking Excellence… because, here is a strong party man, whose support and faith in the party and beyond, are more or less, left near lowest ebb. If we can have enough Zare’s replica from all our political zones, in Kano, regret and backwardness could be things of the past. No doubt about this!

I can also understand that, even among our APC strong men in the state, only those of them who are more loyal and sensitive to the welfare of the party members, are the ones that understand his (Zare) worth and work with him hand in hand, for the survival of the party, in the state and the nation in general.

Zare’s clear understanding of political cohesion as a recipe for good governance gives him more courage to see to the welfare and unassuming political engagement with the view to bring all politicians to state growth and development.

The issue goes beyond dishing out resources to people for massaging the economic hardship, he helps in perfecting people’s transportation network, via the provision of vehicles for their personal use. He recently distributed cars and motorbikes for his people. Not because he got a single Kobo from any government institution. He uses his hard earned money to do what he sincerely believes in.

He is also being disturbed by the economic hardship plaguing the society. Which makes hunger more visible than before. That makes him to be up and doing in cushioning the effect of this ugly experience. He distributes foodstuff on frequent basis. To help body and soul live together.

Zare Jagora is not any super human being, only that he believes in making people happy. While being interested in developing his people, without recourse to any ambition or expectations, he believes when man is developed, all other systems can work in harmony to each other.

If and only if, APC as a strong party in Kano, and the nation in general, is really interested in victory, strength and service to humanity, Zare’s legacy and immense contributions to humanity should not be downgraded to the bottom of the ladder.

Anwar was former Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com

November 4th, 2024

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Opinion

Northern Nigeria’s Silence Amidst Rising Injustices: A Call for a Return to Principled Leadership

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The worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria is no longer merely a concern—it has become a full-blown crisis threatening the lives and liberties of millions. Kidnapping, once considered the work of hardened criminals, is now perceived as a lucrative trade. Even more disturbing is the encroachment of this practice into governance, with reports of state authorities detaining citizens under questionable circumstances, particularly young protesters. These developments raise difficult questions about the strength and integrity of leadership in Northern Nigeria and leave us wondering whether the region still has leaders who genuinely represent its people.

The recent detention of minors, allegedly in unhealthy conditions, illustrates this chilling trend. These young individuals were reportedly taken by the authorities while engaging in a protest to call for better governance. Their alleged crime? Waving a foreign flag, in this case, the Russian flag, which authorities deemed treasonous. They did so, perhaps naively, without recognizing the potential implications, yet the state treated them with severity, reportedly requiring a staggering N10 million per person as bail. In contrast, individuals in Southern Nigeria have raised foreign flags and voiced secessionist sentiments without facing equivalent punishments.

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This discrepancy raises difficult questions about the consistency of the law and whether it is applied equally across the country. Why are Northern youth held to such strict standards while similar actions in other regions seem to be treated with leniency? Historically, the North was known for its stalwart leaders—individuals who stood up for the people, challenged the government when necessary, and never allowed the region to be compromised. Leaders like Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, and Malam Aminu Kano left a legacy of dignity, integrity, and advocacy for Northern interests. These figures prioritized the wellbeing of their people, standing up against exploitation and injusticeTheir voices resonated across Nigeria, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape. Today, however, the lack of a unified voice from Northern leaders is disheartening. In the past, these leaders would not have hesitated to demand justice for the detained minors or to negotiate on behalf of their people. Now, the silence of Northern elites on issues like insecurity, youth incarceration, and poor governance has left a void. Instead of elders standing firmly to shield and protect the region’s youth, we are witnessing a tragic indifference that has left many young people feeling abandoned. This crisis of leadership in Northern Nigeria has had severe consequences. Kidnapping and banditry are ravaging communities, youth are disillusioned, and the voices of the people are ignored or, worse, suppressed.

The North is bleeding, and without intervention, the situation will continue to deteriorate. To the elders of the North, if indeed they still exist in spirit and purpose, it is time to rise. The North needs a collective, principled voice to stand against injustice and ensure that the region’s youth are protected and that their futures are not sacrificed to lawlessness or state oppression. The need for Northern Nigeria to reclaim its dignified, protective, and principled leadership has never been more urgent. It is time to break the silence.

Abubakar Ibrahim can be reach via:

habuibrahim76@gmail.com
+2348098454956

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Opinion

Barau’s Failed Strategy Again, By Adnan Mukhtar

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Adnan Mukhtar T Wada

There’s a Chinese proverb that says, “the mighty oak falls, while the flexible willow survives.” This saying implies that even the strong and mightiest can fall or fail, while the seemingly weak and insignificant remain standing. The secret to this does not lie in egoistic tendencies, machiavellian plots or deploying attack dogs to undertake one’s biddings. It lies in humility, adaptability and resilience, reminding us that true strength lies not in external power, but in internal flexibility and determines willingness to recognise and heed proper advice when given one.

I initially hesitated to respond to the rejoinder on my article about Senator Barau’s poor political strategy. However, I’ve decided to address it for two key reasons: to provide further clarification on the senator’s strategy and to set the record straight that my opinions are entirely my own, unbiased and uninfluenced by any external sponsorship.

But first, I will like to correct the character (or is it writer)’s tendency in quoting Quranic verses to hoodwink people gullibly. No true Muslim ever denies that it is Allah the supreme that gives power, but it is the Holy Quran itself that emphasises the importance of human action and responsibility.

For instance, Surah As-Saff Ayat 14 states that Allah helps those who help themselves, highlighting the need for human effort in achieving success. This verse shows that quoting Quranic verses to deceive innocent people doesn’t change the reality that our actions have consequences.

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Additionally, Quran 13:11, says that Allah won’t change a people’s condition unless they change themselves. This verse underscores the importance of personal agency and reform.

It’s also essential to recognize that the Quran encourages reasoning and critical thinking. Quran 18:54 reminds us that humans are prone to disputes, but we should strive for constructive arguments, appealing to reason and acknowledging the truth.

These and many teachings of the Quran demonstrates that quoting Quranic verses to deceive others is misguided and doesn’t align with the principles of Islam. Attack dogs should be wary of how they throw our revered religion into the fray of greed.

Now to the crux of the matter, I’d like to first correct the character who responded to my article. The title of my piece is, “Senator Barau and his poor political strategy.” But by conveniently omitting the word “poor” while making reference to the article, I will think that they did not read the article comprehensively because they were in a rush to collect their little share of the national cake.

Those familiar with me in the media space and beyond can attest that I’m an independent thinker with unwavering ambition. Despite Senator Barau being old enough to be my father, I take pride in speaking truth to power, unafraid to challenge the status quo.

I have been writing and publishing articles in the national dailies since a year after completing my IJMB programme at Kano State College of Arts, Science and Remedial Studies, some 15 years ago. My digital footprint is there on the internet, the pseudonyms who were sponsored to write the rejoinders know this better.

My independent mind prompted my ambition to contest for election in 2019 and to aspire for the same office in 2022. I’m a media consultant with clients from different sectors and a university lecturer, I’m therefore too big to be sponsored by any individual for pecuniary interest much less one that involves Barau. The allegations are not only shallow but myopic and defensive in the absence of any substantial argument to counter the fact that indeed Barau’s political strategy is very poor!

That is why I found the rejoinder taken too personal, failing to address the issues raised. This has proven the title of my article referring to Senator Barau as a politician with a poor strategy from day one. The strategy he is using to respond to me is in itself a failed one.

It’s baffling that a supposedly seasoned politician like Senator Barau would engage in a pointless battle with someone from his own Senatorial District simply to further his ambitions of becoming Kano’s governor. Considering his confrontational history with humble appointees like Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo, I question his ability to handle a formidable opponent like Murtala Sule Garo. Not only do they hail from the same local government, but Garo also boasts a broader support base and superior people mobilisation skills.

What’s more, Garo wields significant influence over the party structure in Barau’s own backyard, which is precisely why Barau seeks to oust Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje as APC National Chairman. However, this move overlooks the fact that a former governor leads the party in the state, where there is currently no serving governor.

People like Abubakar Kabir Bichi and Engineer Hamisu Ibrahim Chidari, a former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly are both grassroots politicians who were forces to reckon with in Barau’s 2023 election. He has been winning elections in this area because of the calibre of people in Kano North who are mostly of the APC.

The sponsored pseudonym accused me of not appreciating the role of destiny in Senator Barau’s ambition forgetting that it was the same Barau who displayed his desperation to convince the President to sack Abdullahi Gwarzo after not consulting any party official including Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje at a time the former Minister scored 79 in his assessment scorecard. The Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination will testify to this.

It was said that he did all the maneuvering to test his strength within the APC, it is evident that his little supporters are boasting of this but where is their faith in destiny when you are struggling to see the sacking of someone that did nothing to you?

Garba said and I quote “It is on record that since he ventured into politics, he has maintained a decent image devoid of rancour, acrimony or ill feelings towards others”.

Is it, not the same Barau and his people that were calling Murtala Sule Garo and the former Minister Gwarzo names shortly after the sack? Your people were even mocking him after he was removed boasting that their leader has come of age. Did Barau call any to order?

When people were trooping from the nook and crannies of Kano to sympathise with ATM Gwarzo, Barau was nowhere to be found, apparently due to his guilty conscience.

I have cautioned the Distinguished Senator to stop creating unnecessary enemies for himself in the zone he comes from. The Kano North is a no-go area for the NNPP, he should understand that even if you nominate 3 Ministers from Kano Central, they can’t defeat Senator Kwankwaso’s NNPP.

Kwankwaso is the strong man of Kano politics and is in full control of the Kano Central and Kano South. His only threat is the Kano North because of the aforementioned stakeholders.

Senator Barau should apply a new strategy of uniting party members by working together without plotting evil against anyone.

The defectors that he boasts of receiving, claiming that he is giving APC more strength is nothing short of a Kannywood movie in full glare. He should tell me any serious and grassroots supporter he has so far welcomed to the APC other than Kannywood actors and Tik Tokers in their desperation to collect their share of the National Cake ‘Awanki Gara’.

It’s evident that Barau is lacking in political strategy, people who lack that will be committing blunders at the helm of the affairs of Kano. It will be suicidal to elect a man of his calibre to govern a mega state like Kano.

The pseudonym boasts that the position of Deputy President of the Senate is bigger than the office of a governor. A whole governor? The Chief Security of Officer of a whole state? This writer should check his head again.

Kano needs someone who will be serious with governance, who will bring and attract investors not from receiving Tiktokers and Kannywood actors to receiving Nollywood and Bollywood actors at the Africa House.

To be forewarned is to be forearmed!

Adnan is a political commentator, he writes from Abuja

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