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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.

Opinion

Why They Are Afraid Of Ganduje

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Governor Ganduje

 

By Abubakar Umar

While preparing to pen this write up I just scrolled the news and read that the Kano High court that ordered the suspension of the APC National chairman Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje have vacated the order pending the determination of the suit on 30th April.

 

From the look of things and with his glowing political clout since he joined politics in the second Republic Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje the former Governor of Kano state is giving sleepless nights to many politicians particularly from his home state of Kano where the melting pot of Nigerian politics emanated from.

No vex his emergence as the National chairman of Nigerias ruling party has brought down the evil machinations of some politicians who sees Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as a stumbling block to their political ambition at the national stage .

The administrator cum politician as many people will attest to knew very well that interms of experience and political calculations he has no match especially from the North West political zone where the National chairman hails from .

They know very well that the national working committee of the party and President Asiwaju Bola Ahmad Tinubu have done the right calculation by placing an elder politician and a two term Governor of the most difficult state to Govern in the whole Nigeria as the chairman of the Nigerian ruling party.

They knew very well that his stature has made him one of the most visible and hardworking APC National chairman since its formation in the year 2013.

The conscripted script being played by agents of destabilzation in order to make the ruling party irrelevant can only be done if they try to use some political zealots with the aim of making the National Chairman look like someone who can not sail through their evil conspiracy .

It was understood that the only way the NNPP Governent in Kano will change it’s political nest is to cut down the tree that is supposed to give it a shade but instead of humbling themselves and submit themselves to the party’s National Secretariat in which Dr. Ganduje is the leader they starte beating about the bush like a child’s play.

Dr.Ganduje had since humbled them politically and by visiting the state on January 25 ,2024 to invite them to the ruling party without vengeance .

He extended the hand of friendship that politics is is the ability to make sacrifices and compromise .

It was that compromise and sacrifice that made some of his political foes make accomplishments they never dream to achieve but still they are not grateful with the his sacrifice and patience .

Today the courts have vindicated by Dr.Abdullahi Umar and the APC national stalwarts across the country who are comfortable with the leadership style of Dr.Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

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Opinion

Celebrating Emir Sulu -Gambari at 84

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Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari ,Emir Of Ilorin

 

By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo

Today the highly revered Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu -Gambari CFR marks 84 years birthday.The former Jurist ascended the throne of his forefathers on Monday and he was also born on Monday. What a coincidence!

Being alive up to the age of 84 is a rare opportunity for anyone who really appreciate the homongous favour of the Almighty.The Chancellor of Bayero University Kano is an example of an Emir with a digital disposition and inclination.He believes so much in the progress of individuals and the entire Ilorin Emirate.

Dwelling so much about his career as a retired Justice of Court of Appeal may not be necessary as many are aware of it.The Emir stands out as a man who had made Ilorin as a City to move away from the old ways of doing things even in terms of education. He has encouraged scholarship in all ramifications. Be it in Islamic perspective and western education. Emir Sulu Gambari is the first University graduate to have ascended the throne in more two centuries of Ilorin Emirate history .

Before his ascension to the throne of his progenitors, Ilorin had a handful of professors but today they’re as many as possible.He has achieved a lot but you know traditionally such may not be made public.

Mai Martaba has provided purposeful and impactful leadership, this can be captured in the words of Abubakar Imam, the National Secretary of Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union IEDPU thus:

“The Emir has always taken care of the welfare and wellbeing of the ordinary people of his Emirate in words and actions. For instance, he initiated a Fund through which money was raised to address the immediate needs of the downtrodden people and residents of the community. The Fund was chaired by the Danmansani of Ilorin, Engr Sulaiman Ayinde Yahaya Alapansanpa, FNSE, while the immediate past National President of IEDPU, Alhaji Aliyu Otta Uthman, fsi, was the Alternate Chairman. Over 15,000 individuals from all the nooks and crannies of Ilorin Emirate benefited from the Fund during the course of the perilous COVID-19 epidemic, which rocked the humanity about five years ago. It will also be recalled that the Emir purchased 400 bundles of corrugated iron sheet, which was distributed to the less privileged members of the community who were affected by a devastating rainstorm in 2021. The then IEDPU President was given the task of getting the item delivered at the footsteps of the victims of the natural disaster”

Before the coming of Emir of Ilorin, University of Ilorin was not a place an Ilorin indigene can gain admission into easily.In fact, only few had opportunity to school there at that time.But Emir Sulu -Gambari and other stakeholders ensured that an indigenous Vice Chancellor was giving opportunity to lead the Ivory tower for the first time,in person of Professor Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem, the Talba of Ilorin Emirate .May Allah continue to grant Professor good health and plenty baraka. Professor Oba cannot even mention all those he has assisted, because the numbers are huge.

Today, there is fairness in the issue of admission into university of Ilorin.The standard was established by the administration of Professor Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem and has been sustained by his successors.

Eminent sons and daughters of Ilorin Emirate are already sending their warmest messages to the Emir.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has rejoiced with the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of Kwara state traditional rulers Council

The Emir, according to the Governor, “has remained a father to all while also deploying his rich experiences and networks to support not just the people of the Ilorin Emirate but also the people of the state as a whole.

The Governor prays to Allaah to give His Royal Highness good health and long life, and continue to uphold him upon goodness in his service to the people of the Emirate”

The Turaki of Ilorin Emirate and Senator representing Kwara Central senatorial district, Senator Saliu Mustapha has also congratulated the His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, on the occasion of his 84th birthday anniversary

Senator Mustapha described the revered Emir who is a retired eminent jurist as “an ambassador of peace with an admirable style of leadership”

He affirmed that since the respected monarch’s ascension to the throne of his forefathers in 1995 as the 11th Emir of Ilorin, he has brought a lot of development and glamour to the entire State.

While extolling the emir’s humility and modernized vision for his domain and the country at large, Senator Mustapha prays God Almighty to grant the royal father more years of worthy service to his people and humanity in good health.

Furthermore,Honourable Mukhtar Tolani Shagaya representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency also greeted the Emir “His Royal Highness has exemplified wisdom, compassion, and integrity throughout his reign, serving as a beacon of hope for the people of Ilorin and beyond. His visionary leadership has brought about tremendous growth and development, with a keen focus on fostering unity and inclusivity amongst his subjects. His unwavering dedication to our collective well-being is a testament to his selflessness and genuine concern for his people”

Under his guidance, Ilorin has witnessed a remarkable transformation, with strides made in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and socio-economic development. His Royal Highness’s commitment to fostering a harmonious and prosperous society has played a pivotal role in shaping the Ilorin of today – a thriving community that takes pride in its rich cultural heritage while embracing the promise of a brighter future”

Similarly, A former Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulwahab Oladimeji Issa has felicitated the Emir of Ilorin.He extolled the Emir thus,”his uncommon leadership qualities” and prayed that God grants him many more years of service to the people of Ilorin emirate and Nigeria.

“As you mark your 84th birthday anniversary which comes up today Monday, April 22nd, 2024, I write, on behalf of my family to extend warm felicitations to Your Highness.

“Only recently, you marked twenty-eight years of unquantified success on the throne as the Emir of Ilorin. Your uncommon leadership qualities and evident faith in the peace, unity, progress, and prosperity of the Ilorin emirate and beyond, have combined to make you one of the most highly respected monarchs in Nigeria today.

“As you continue to use your exalted throne to build bridges of friendship and harmony across Kwara state and the nation, it is my prayer that Almighty Allah grants you many more years of abounding health, prosperity, and enduring fulfillment,” he added.

Hajiya Arinola Lawal also felicitates Emir of Ilorin on 84th birthday anniversary,
“I extend my warmest wishes and heartfelt prayers to His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the Emir of Ilorin, on the occasion of his birthday

I beseech Allah to grant His Royal Highness a long and prosperous reign on the throne of his fathers, filled with peace, stability, and blessings for the Ilorin Emirate”

Meanwhile, LT Col Ramat Suleiman also joined the league of prominent Ilorin Emirate sons and daughters to celebrate the Emir Sulu -Gambari at 84.She described the Emir as a father to all and a lover of peace.The first Ilorin Emirate woman to have attained the rank of LT Col in the military extolled the Emir as a leader with great vision and prayed to Allah to grant him good health and more years ahead on the throne of his forefathers.

Professor Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem,Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, Honourable Moshood Mustapha,Former Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Hajiya Tundun Alanamu, Barrister Oba Magaji and others have also greeted the Emir at 84.

By way of conclusion,without mincing words Ilorin Emirate has witnessed tremendous transformation under the leadership of Emir Sulu -Gambari in all facets of the Emirate since his ascension in 1995.I wish the Emir a prosperous, healthy and pious 84th birthday anniversary and more years ahead Insha Allah.

Sheeeehuuuu.Walahu ya’simuka minna nas

abdurraheemsaaddembo@gmail.com

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Opinion

For Adamu A Zango:Simple Solution To Your Compounded Problems

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Adam A Zango

 

Tijjani Muhammad Musa

I usually don’t like writing on celebrities except if the issue borders on religious matters. Even so, it’s not any trivial matter that makes my ink flow. For me, talking to stars is like calling on someone who has taken a turn.

But once in a while, I do make an exception when it comes to situations that need prompt intervention towards saving a soul that’s heading to the edge of the abyss. I have succeeded on one or two cases though. AlhamdulilLaah

And lately, with so much misfortunes befalling guys in the Arewa entertainment industry, most especially Kannywood, one can’t help but smell the unpleasant stench in the air, and thus whiff the hand to ward it off.

This brings us to the latest trending issue of Adamu A Zango’s depression crisis. Those concerned about him have been raising alarm on social media of an impending doom that could likely befall him if he is not counselled on time.

Well, it’s that serious. Many say he needs help urgently and beg those who can to approach him and save actor cum musical icon from himself. Those close to him should as a matter of urgency do. For us from afar, we can only submit thus:

The perfect solution to Adamu A. Zango’s problem and dilemma much as some wouldn’t want to hear it can be found in the Holy Qur’an Surah Al-Anbiya (21) verses 83-84 where Allaah SWT Says:

83. And (remember) Ayyûb (Job), when he cried to his Lord: “Verily, distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy.”

84. So We answered his call, and We removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his family to him (that he had lost) and the like thereof along with them as a mercy from Ourselves and a Reminder for all those who worship us.

Again relate to the same Surah Q21:87-88 which brings forth how Yunus AS was able to free himself from utter hopelessness into Allaah’s Grace and Mercy. Note the Promise of Allaah SWT to grant others who worship Him similar grace if they should repeat same du’a.

So Adamu, first you must prepare your mind by connecting to your Lord, sincerely seeking His Graceful intervention in your matters. How? Sincere repentance is key and subsequently seek for forgiveness for all your bad deeds.

Next abstain from all acts of disobedience to Allaah. Thereafter, perform 2 raka’at of Salah, after which you should engage in DhikrAllaah, reciting the du’a of Ayub AS in Q21:83 and Yunus AS in Q21:87

Finally, form the habit of reciting the Qur’an and listening to it on a regular basis. Always perform your 5 daily obligatory prayers in congregation and keep off anybody or anything that will constitute a distraction to your focus on your developing a close relationship with your Lord Allaah AWJ.

If you can take these few simple, but highly challenging steps and implement them in your life, it is a guarantee that you will be free from all these stresses and distresses to a life of unprecedented peace bi iznilLaah..

But as a Kannywood and Hausa music celebrity, this solution though simple as it may seem might be the most difficult thing for you to adopt. And I believe you know why. And that sadly is where the problem truly lies.

Unless one is ready to embrace a change of lifestyle from his or her norm to Allaah’s laid out norms, things in life will keep challenging their peace and tranquility of the person.

 

Hope this helps .

Tijjani Muhammad Musa is the chairman Association of Nigerian Authors Kano branch

 

*©2024 Tijjani M. M.*
All Rights Reserved

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