Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, Lagos State Polytechnic Chapter (LASPO), Mr. Arowolo Olatunji has said that the on-going strike by Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and removal of fuel subsidy by President Goodluck Jonathan has caused more havoc to the education sector in Nigeria.
He disclosed this during a mass protest and rally organized by Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to fight government on the removal of fuel subsidy on the 1st of January 2012.
According to him, “The increment in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) would have a great effect on education and before this increment; Lagos State government had earlier increased school fees in all tertiary institutions”.
“For example, LASU tuition increased from N25.000 to N250.00 and with the increment in petroleum, it shows there is going to be another regime of new school fees.’
The ASUP chairman added that there is going to be a challenge in the area of students’ enrolment due to hike in pump price.? “Part of the palliative measures?? federal government is planning to put in place is provision of jobs but who are they planning to give the jobs to? I think what they should tackle should be to eliminate corruption in the system.’
‘UNESCO demands large amount of money for the education sector. If government is really serious, they need to increase the budget instead of causing more problems in order for our people to have qualitative education.’
We have given options to President Jonathan to resign since the education sector is suffering setbacks and the ASUU strike is still on without attention from federal government.
Olatunji stressed further, “We have seen the man’s capability is in question and we need to know the university Mr. President attended to acquire his PhD because it is a disgrace to the education sector and academics in particular.’
He therefore advised Nigerian students to be prayerful in order for education sector to survival without more damage by the present administration.
It would be recalled that lecturers and professors in Lagos State University and Lagos State Polytechnic joined the last week protest and mass rally organized by Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).