On Monday, President Muhammadu Buhari urged ASUU members to change their minds about the ongoing strike, declaring that “enough is enough.”
The strike was started by the union on February 14.
The walkout would have long-term effects on families, the educational system, and the nation’s development, the president expressed concern.
Buhari made the call, according to Malam Garba Shehu, his media aide, when he hosted some governors, lawmakers, and political figures from the All Progressives Congress (APC) at his home in Daura, Katsina State.
The tourists came to Daura to honor the president during Sallah.
Buhari pointed out that the strike had already had an impact on the psychology of teachers, parents, and other stakeholders, raising numerous moral questions that needed to be addressed.
He added that the standard of education in Nigeria would determine its future.
Additionally, he reaffirmed that although the government was aware of the union’s viewpoint, talks with students in classrooms should still go forward.
“We hope that ASUU will sympathise with the people on the prolonged strike. Truly, enough is enough for keeping students at home. Don’t hurt the next generation for goodness sake,’’ he said.
The president urged all well-meaning Nigerians, especially those close to ASUU leaders and members, to convince the lecturers to change their minds about their stance and its implications for the nation as a whole.
Buhari claims that the difficulty for Nigerian pupils will be to compete with others in technologically advanced workplaces.
He claimed that keeping them at home would just deprive them of the time, opportunities, and possibilities to be important on the international arena.
“Colonial type education was geared towards producing workers in government. Those jobs are no longer there.
“Our young people should get education to prepare them for self-employment. Now education is for the sake of education.
“Through technology we are much more efficient. We should encourage our children to get education not only to look for government jobs,’’ he stressed.
In order to increase employment prospects, according to Buhari, resources should be directed more toward improving the infrastructure and operations of the health and educational sectors.
“By this time next year, I would have made the most out of the two terms, and in the remaining months I will do my best,’’ the President assured.
He advised individuals in positions of power and luxury to exercise caution when assisting the numerous Nigerians who were looking for opportunities.
According to Buhari, “If you are greedy, you won’t look around to see what is happening with those who are less fortunate.”
The president admitted to his visitors that the rigors of his position had prevented him from visiting his home in Daura for nearly a year.
“The observation that I abandoned my base was made by the Emir of Daura, Dr Faruk Umar Faruk, at the Eid prayer ground.
“He held the microphone and told everyone that the last time I was in Daura was during the Eid-el-Kabir of 2021,’’ he mused.
In contrast to Kaduna, where he owns a better mansion, President Buhari stated that he would retire to Daura.
“In 10 to 11 months; time, I will come here (Daura). I have a better house in Kaduna, but it is too close to Abuja,’’ he said.
The president added that because of his hectic work schedule, he could relate to Geoffrey Onyema, the minister of foreign affairs, who had to spend most of his time away from his family.
He urged the APC leaders to continue their efforts for the benefit of the populace and the nation.
“ We are a lucky people. We need to reflect more on where we are coming from,’’ h said.
The president said relative to the resources available, and compared to the preceding administration, government had done well in many areas, particularly in infrastructure.
“I wish the person who is coming after me the very best,” he said.
In terms of security, the president claimed that the Northwest had presented more difficulties while the Northeast and the South-South had seen some success.
Additionally, Buhari warned South-South agitators to cease damaging national property, saying that doing so also had an impact on their livelihoods.
“I am eager to go. I can tell you it has been tough. I am grateful to God that people appreciate the personal sacrifices we have been making,’’ he said.
Abubakar Bagudu, the governor of Kebbi, who serves as the chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, commended the president for his leadership in boosting the country’s economy and the numerous achievements of the APC in his speech.
He cites two conventions that produced Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party’s presidential nominee as examples of such triumphs.
“We will work hard to ensure the success of our party. We have reasons to work very hard,’’ he stressed.
The objective of assuring food production and prioritizing agriculture was supported, he said, by favorable weather circumstances, which were seen in the rice pyramids in several states.
“In spite of attacks by renegades, our country remains self-sufficient in food production. We have seen investments that were not there before you (Buhari) came into power.
“Not less than 20 states now have agriculture processing zones. We have rice pyramids in Ekiti, Gombe and Niger states, while maize pyramids were revived in Katsina and Kano states,’’ he said.
He added that more than 54 rice meals were inaugurated in various states, and 57 fertiliser plants were revived, or built afresh.
“All these were achieved because of your commitment and patriotism,’’ the governor told Buhari.
Bagudu praised the president for making it simple for governors and other political figures to communicate with him. He also said that the National Economic Council’s opening for a more open exchange of ideas had a significant positive impact on the economy.
Aminu Masari of Katsina State, Malam Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, Hope Uzodinma of Imo, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, and Abubakar Bello of Niger were the APC governors present at the meal.
Other governors included those of Kano State’s Abdullahi Ganduje, Ekiti’s Kayode Fayemi, the Plateau’s Simon Lalong, and Kebbi’s Abubakar Bagudu.
