By DAYO ADESULU

As the lingering strike of the Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU enters its fourth month, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Rahamon Adisa Bello, has stated that the industrial action embarked upon by the union is not against the university system.

The Vice-Chancellor who made this remark at the UNILAG Alumni Cocktail/Dinner held at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, noted that one of the reasons for the strike is to enhance funding of the university.

“ASUU strike is not against the university system as the Union is fighting for the good of the varsities due to the huge infrastructural decay present today. Whether funding comes from the federal government or other stakeholders is a different ball game, the truth remains that we must be able to fund varsities to enable them perform their functions.”

Pointing out some gray areas that need attention, Bello noted that research must be funded. “Each time we see varsities global ranking, we say our varsities are not doing well. However, some of these highly ranked varsities are not better than some Nigerian varsities, but because we don’t have enough funds to take to that direction, we can’t compete in some areas with them.”

The VC, who dismissed insinuations that ASUU is after its selfish interest, said the union is fighting for the institutions.

“Without supporting that they are out in the industrial action for too long, we need to find a way to get it resolved so that we can move forward. We do not support strike as a means of getting things resolved, but this has come up and we just have to live with it. ASUU and government are communicating and we believe very soon, this will be over.”

In same vein, Chairman of the Advancement Board of the University of Lagos Alumni, Mac Ovbiagele, said: “I think the government is making efforts to solving the problems. We have got to admit that there is wide spread decay in the varsities and we can’t, as a country, look away from that area. Many countries who are doing well are those who have taken education seriously.”

Lamenting the present state of education, Ovbiagele pointed out that some countries have moved beyond education and are concentrating on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, STEM. “We have to look at our education sector and invest more in our education because that is our future.”

Meanwhile, the former Minister of Transport, Dr Abiye Sekibo, said that the varsity system is at cross-road, especially with the prolonged ASUU strike.

Pointing out that it is cheaper to keep the children in school than at home, Sekibo said the cost of keeping students at home on the family finance is such that we should begin to calculate, adding that  the cost on our nation and its economy is enormous.

“Those of us in government have a responsibility to ourselves and the nation. Is there no other way to fund education and for the union to get their point across? It is our duty to find other ways of resolving these issues, and until we find alternatives, we will not be doing the right thing for our nation.

“The truth is that we must find a different ways of funding universities. I suggest that it is time for universities to be autonomous to raise their own fund, run their businesses, charge fees where applicable, and pay their lecturers whatever money they want to pay as they negotiate with them without reference to any superior body.”

On his part, the Chairman, Publicity and Publications Committee UNILAG Advancement Board, Mr John Momoh, urged the alumni to use their influential positions in the society to change Nigeria for the better, adding that Nigeria need leaders like them to act as agents of change.

“UNILAG graduates cover the globe in their search for knowledge and meaning as their contributions make a difference everywhere. The Alumni Association has steadily been building traction and capacity, to create a truly great institution; such greatness requires four things: students enjoying a tremendous student experience; very successful faculties; a supportive campus learning environment; and substantial financial resources. We need you to engage with your Alma-mata as it strives to attain this greatness.”

Dignitaries present at the meeting were former Pro-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Wole Olanipekun SAN; chairman of Channel Television, Mr John Momoh; former Minister of Transport, Dr Sekibo Abiye; Senator Ganiyu Solomon; Olorogun Sunny Kuku; DVC Management, UNILAG, Prof Duro Oni;  Dr Folashade Taiwo Ipaye, Registrar, Senator, Ogunlewe Adeseye, Pro-Chancellor, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, among others.