The Presidency has announced that concerted efforts are being made to prevent the planned strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, made this statement during a meeting with a delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
Gbajabiamila assured the students that the government is actively addressing the concerns raised by ASUU and is committed to averting any impending industrial action. He emphasized President Bola Tinubu’s determination to bring an end to strikes in universities and higher institutions.
The Chief of Staff also highlighted the forthcoming launch of the government’s student loan scheme, expected within the next two to three weeks. He explained that the delay in the launch was to ensure that all necessary policies are in place to make the scheme successful. Gbajabiamila urged Nigerians to support the policy, emphasizing that it is designed to ensure that no indigent student is deprived of education.
“We can always do our best to avert strikes such as this. Luckily, we have a President who is more than anybody determined that the days of strike are over and left behind. We are hoping to be able to avert the strikes,” he stated.
Regarding the student loan scheme, Gbajabiamila said, “Mr. President is determined that we see it through and see it through successfully. It was supposed to be launched in January, but it is anything worth doing and it is worth doing well. We are hoping it will be launched in the next two to three weeks, we are trying to dot the I(s) and cross the T(s) before it is launched to ensure we have policies that cannot be faulted.”
He encouraged the support of Nigerians, especially the youth, in making the student loan scheme successful.
Gbajabiamila also commended the youth representation on the Federal Executive Council and mentioned the ongoing efforts to establish a Youth Advisory Council that would advise the President on youth matters and development.
“We are muling the idea that has not come to fruition yet. I hope it will come to fruition; we are working assiduously on the Youth Advisory Council that will sit from time to time and advise the President on youth matters and other matters that are geared towards youth development. We are hopeful that will come to fruition soon,” he concluded.
