The capital city of Ondo State, Akure is currently In gridlock as students protest against the ongoing Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). All commercial and vehicular activities are on hold as a coalition of Ondo State Universities Students gathered to kick against the strike.
The coalition consists of the four major universities in the State: Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko; Federal University of Technology, Akure; University of Medical Sciences, Ondo City, and Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa. The aggrieved students called on Federal Government to meet the demands of the ASUU.
Furthermore, The students stormed major highways in the capital city of Akure blocking the roads from Road Block and FUTA north gate area. The Students’ Union President of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Comrade Kolade Olumide bemoaned the lackluster attitude of the FG. He opined that influential leaders in the country are more concerned about the forthcoming general elections in 2023.
Therefore, he called on all concerned stakeholders across the state and beyond to return to the negotiation table. He beseeches them to champion the interest of Nigerian students above any political sentiment.
The president who bemoaned the incessant closure of the public universities in the country had caused set back to the growth of the education sector. He urges the Federal Government to meet the demands of ASUU other to call off the strike.
Also, another student union leader from FUTA, Irewole Samson called on the FG to consider the psychological and financial implications of the strike on students. He revealed how his graduating year rollover from 2020 to 2022 due to the incessant strike.
Meanwhile, a combined team of the Nigerian Police and the Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN) popularly known as Amotekun ensured a peaceful atmosphere throughout. Members of the security outfits were seen in a strategic position to avert the breakdown of law and order.
Lastly, Market women and commercial motorcyclists joined the students in solidarity to persuade the federal government to meet the demands of ASUU.
