By Matthew Denis
The Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman, has called on the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to explore alternative means of negotiating and resolving issues with the Federal Government rather than resorting to strikes.
Nigerian NewsDirect reports that ASUU on Monday commenced a two-week warning strike following the expiration of its ultimatum to the government.
The renewed face-off between ASUU and the Federal Government came after negotiations aimed at preventing another prolonged shutdown of public universities failed.
Prof. Sulaiman made the disclosure during an interview with newsmen at his 60th birthday commemoration and the public presentation of two publications held in Abuja on Thursday.
Reacting to the decades-long strike approach by ASUU as a means of compelling the Federal Government to meet its demands, Prof. Sulaiman said, “I’m an activist of strike, but it is obsolete because embarking on strike is at the detriment of the masses and the students, whose future is shattered.”
He added, “I’m calling on ASUU to note that it’s not everything that comes with sacrifice. At times, you have to put on sacrifice. Though money is very important, sacrifice comes first by nurturing the younger ones.”
“Going on strike is at the detriment of the students and the parents. Think on methodology of trade disputes and other better ways of resolving issues, not strike, and I want to believe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will listen to them. I’m an ASUU activist, but I don’t believe in this strike because it has failed us,” he stressed.
Speaking on his experiences at NILDS and his future expectations, he applauded the leadership of the National Assembly under Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Speaker, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, for standing by him despite several calls for his removal.
He said, “I want to appreciate the leadership of NASS for their magnanimity in supporting the Institute for our achievements today despite several challenges.”
He further appealed to Senator Akpabio to ensure that the staff of NILDS, especially those at the level of Assistant Directors, are promoted to Directorship within the Institute.
“Sir, I’m begging you to ensure that our staff in the Institute grow within their career pursuits, especially those within the ranks of Assistant Directors, be promoted to Directorship. I’m under pressure to get Directors from outside, and I know you will not allow that to happen, Your Excellency,” he said.
The DG also tasked students to remain committed and hardworking in their daily endeavours, noting that these self-built attributes have distinguished him in his career.
“What I have achieved so far is the outcome of perseverance, sacrifice, and hard work. I have taught several government appointees, lawmakers, and former governors. I want the younger generation to embrace hard work, perseverance, and steadfastness in their activities,” he said.
Prof. Sulaiman acknowledged all the top dignitaries for coming out to celebrate with him.