The Governor of Jigawa state, Muhammadu Badaru, has expressed concerns over payment half salaries to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) by the federal government, assuring that state governors’ will intervene on the issues to enable an amicable legal settlement.
Badaru gave the assurance on Thursday during the official inauguration of the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANs) in Abuja.
He assured further that his government would continue to support students and stabilize the education sector through NANS.
According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari was aware of the sufferings of the students caused by the ASUU strike and would not allow such situation again.
“On the half salary, we have already started working on it, by the special grace of God, we will get to the bottom of it, and this will be resolved, we pray there will not be any other strike again.
“You have suffered enough, and am sure the President is aware of that, and we are looking at legal ways to finalize the salary payment “.
Speaking, the NANs President, Comrade Usman Barambu, called on the federal government to as a matter of urgency address all issues relating to their agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities to forestall future industrial actions that would keep our students out of campus.
Comrade Barambu explained that those that bear the brunt of the frequent crises were not privileged to seek alternatives and demanded better deal for education of Nigerian masses as most Children of the privilege few now study either abroad or in Private Universities.
“The deteriorating state of our education sector in Nigeria is not only appalling but embarrassing to a nation that prime herself as the GIANT OF AFRICA! We believe in President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to reforms in the education sector. We appeal for governments’ commitment in repositioning our tertiary institutions, post Primary and primary educational institutions towards meeting up with global standards,” he stressed.
On the inauguration of its newly appointed executives, Barambu assured of a new phase with the responsibility to lead and build on what his predecessors have done, pledging to further pursue the course of Nigerian Students in general with full commitment to greater height.
“Today’s event marks a great landmark in the history of our organization. I have no option but to declare my allegiance and absolute commitment without compromise to the yearnings, aspirations, interest and vision of our Students, youths even in the face of intimidation and oppression,” he assured.
The Chairman of the Inauguration Committee, Comrade Olalekun Smart explained that Comrade Barambu scored eighty percent of the votes, and expressed the confidence that his administration would impact positively on the education sector and in the lives of students.
