Some students of University of Nigeria Nsukka ((NAN) have appealed to Federal Government and non-teaching staff of public universities to resolve their differences so that normal academic and administrative activities will be restored in public universities.
They students made the appeal in Nsukka on Wednesday in seperate interviews with our reporter while reacting to the ongoing nationwide strike embarked by non-teaching staff in public universities in the country.
Vera Eke, a Student from Department of English and Literay Studies said the strike embarked by Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), have paralysed both administrative and academic activities in UNN.
“Because of this strike exams and lectures have been postponed till further notice as lecture halls and classrooms are under lock and key.
“If this strike continues academic calendar will be negatively affected.
“I am appealing to government and 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 Department of Computer Science said he was not happy that his exam has been stopped because of the ongoing strike.
“I supposed to write exam today but it has been cancelled because of the ongoing strike,” he said.
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 I have 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.
Our correspondent who went round UNN campus reports that, classrooms, lecture halls administrative offices including Vice-chancellor administrative block among others were under lock and key while 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 sells seriously as many students now stay in their hostels while many have traveled 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, non-teaching staff should also be given 40 per cent increment.
“Nigerians especially students should hold government responsible for this nationwide strike by non-teaching staff of public universities,”he said.
Also speaking, Comerade Ekene Amu, the Chairman of NASU in UNN said NASU and SSANU would continue to ensure 100 percent compliance until Federal Government do the needful.
“Government should meet all our demands so that normal academic and administrative activities will be restored in public universities in the country,”he said.