SOME students of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) have appealed to the Federal Government and non-teaching staff of public universities to resolve their differences in the interest of peace.
The students made the appeal in Nsukka on Wednesday in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) while reacting to the ongoing nationwide strike by non-teaching staff in public universities in the country.
The strike by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), have paralysed both administrative and academic activities in UNN.
NAN Correspondent who monitored the situation reports that ongoing examinations and lectures have been postponed till further notice while offices were under lock and key.
Vera Eke, a student from the Department of English and Literary Studies, told NAN that the development would change the academic calendar of universities in the country like it did in 2021.
“If this strike continues, academic calendar will be negatively affected and it will take us back to those dark days in 2021.
“I am appealing to the federal government and the non-teaching staff, to resolve their differences so that normal administrative and academic activities will resume in public universities,” she said.
Desmond Chukwudi, a student from the Department of Computer Science, expressed dismay that examinations were cancelled as a result of the strike.
Mr Chris Ubong, a postgraduate student, said that the strike had affected supply of water in his hostel.
“I could not see water to take my bath this morning, I have to use a bag of sachet water to take my bath.
“As I am talking to you, I am going out to stay with my friend in Nsukka town until the strike is suspended,” he said.
Meanwhile, combined monitoring team of SSANU and NASU were seen moving round the university to enforce compliance.
A food vendor, who identified herself as Mrs Grace Ugwu, said the strike had affected her sales seriously as some students no longer patronize them as many have travelled home.
“Government should meet the demands of non-teaching staff so that the strike will be suspended,” she said.
Speaking, Dr Linus Akata, the Chairman of SSANU in UNN, said all administrative offices, classrooms and lecture halls would remain closed until government meet the demands of non-teaching staff in public universities.
“Government gave 40 per cent increment to academic staff, without considering the non-teaching staff. Nigerians especially students should hold government responsible for this development,” he said.
Also speaking, Comrade Ekene Amu, the Chairman of NASU in UNN said NASU and SSANU would continue to ensure 100 per cent compliance until the Federal Government did the needful. (NAN)
