If you go to a public Nigerian University, then you must have learned to develop a hate-love-hate relationship with ASUU. Strikes are a major inconveniences and shouldn’t be as rampant as they are in our institutions, but ASUU have gone on strike for a cumulative of 3 years since 1999 . See, they have this unending money beef with the Federal Government, and it doesn’t seem likely that it will end soon.
Speaking about ASUU, it seems another strike is looming. This is news everyone concerned is used to, which is why we think you will relate to this, especially if you’ve wanted one to happen at some point.
The Subtle Joy When The Rumours Start
You are not quite sure if the strike is going to happen yet. There is a lot of talk going around, but nothing has been confirmed. Your heart lights up with hope when you hear the news of an imminent congress. And you are right – the only thing that comes after a congress is the announcement.
The Excitement That Greets The Announcement
Your prayers have been answered. The association has announced the commencement of a strike – it is even better that it is indefinite. What is the worst that could happen? 3-4 weeks and they will be done. You pack your stuff, laugh into the pages of your books as you stuffed them into your bags and you vacate your campus. It’s vacation time, yo.
The Ephemeral Satisfaction That Comes After
You are living your best life. Nothing beats the routine of waking up and realizing that you have no class to go to, no assignment deadline to beat, and definitely no stupid-ass exam to prepare for. When you get to this stage and the strike has not been called off, you should know that things are about to go awry.
Then, The Restlessness Starts To Kick In
The first month has passed. Now, you are ready to go back. You are refreshed, so there is no point staying at home anymore. The only problem is that ASUU’s demands have not been met. In fact, the FG haven’t made any attempt to meet with them. You act like you’re not bothered, but deep down, the gbim-gbim in your heart is getting louder.
The Despair That Follows
Things have now gotten to a head. It’s been 2 months and still no word from ASUU or the FG –at least not what you want to hear. Every meeting between the two warring parties ends in a deadlock. By now, you are pretty sure another year has been added to your “expected year of graduation.”
The Eventual Indifference
You’ve put your hopes several times and they’ve been dashed every single time. You couldn’t do it anymore so you decide to let the chips fall where they may.
Finally, the two bickering parties have reached a temporary agreement. You can now go back to school. Depending on where you were before the strike, your university will release a new lecture timetable or an examination timetable. Whatever. You just need to get back to school; the grades will sort themselves.
