The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Sununu, has called on students, parents, and lecturers in public tertiary institutions to avoid actions that could disrupt the academic calendar as schools prepare to resume. He made this appeal during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Congress of University Academics.
Minister Sununu emphasized that exercising restraint and avoiding disruptions would be in the best interest of all stakeholders and the stability of the educational system. He also mentioned that the Ministry of Education is engaged in constructive dialogue and consultations with various stakeholders to address issues related to the welfare of students, staff, and infrastructure in the nation’s tertiary institutions.
Furthermore, Sununu assured that the government is committed to preventing any situation that could lead to further industrial actions in the education sector. He acknowledged the negative impact of strikes and the underutilization of facilities on the educational system’s stability and quality.
The President of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA), Niyi Sunmonu, expressed concerns about potential unrest in public tertiary institutions following an increase in school fees. He emphasized the need to improve the conditions of service for academic and non-academic staff in universities, which he believes have deteriorated due to the removal of petroleum subsidies. Additionally, Sunmonu called for the reexamination of the issue of eight-month salary arrears resulting from the last strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), noting that CONUA members did not participate in the strike.