The academic union stated that the only way strikes could be forestalled in the education sector was by electing leaders who believed in education.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the umbrella body of university lecturers, has expressed optimism that the next administration after the February general elections would believe in education as the catalyst for the growth.
While advising Nigerians to vote for leaders who value education, the academic union stated that the only way strikes could be forestalled in the education sector was by electing leaders who believed in education.
The National President of ASUU, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, spoke in an interview with Nigerian Tribune, saying the President Muhammadu Buhari’s government did not believe in education.
Osodeke said, “I hope after the election, we will have somebody who believes in education as the catalyst for the growth of the country because the current government doesn’t believe in it.
"The motivation for development for any government is an investment in education, especially tertiary education."
Osodeke stressed that the strike was not an issue but a symptom of something wrong.
“Any day we have a government that is serious about education, we won’t have strike actions again. When you invest in education, there won’t be a strike.
"We were negotiating, and we have gone far. Suddenly, the government disbanded the committee because they believed that the court has ordered ASUU to resume.
“We should look for someone who believes in education and believes that for you to grow, you must have a good education and quality healthcare.
“Among the 18 contestants, look for the one that has education plans and believes in investing in education.”