The Photojournalists Association of Nigeria (PJAN), Lagos Chapter, an affiliate of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), at the end of their June meeting held yesterday urged the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of universities to sheath their swords and let reasons prevail to settle the lingering ASUU crisis.
A communique jointly signed by the association’s Chairman, Comrade Kolawole Olasupo and acting secretary, Comrade Biodun Omotosho respectively reads in part:
“The continuous strike of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU which has kept all students in public universities at home for months is unacceptable and the association frowns at the negligence of the FG to find a lasting solution to this imbroglio between ASUU and the FG.
“The Association reflected on the effects of the strikes on our teeming youth and most importantly, the loss of interest in education thereby prompting students to venture into all forms of scamming gimmicks, cyber fraud activities known as ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ business etc.”
The communique added that the level and seriousness at which Politicians are going about the pursuit of their political ambitions with utmost disregard or concern for these students who are supposed, yet roaming the streets is not only alarming, but disturbing. The Association is of the view that an idle hand is the devil’s workshop as there is tendency for an upsurge in armed robbery, prostitution and other vices if urgent steps are not quickly taken to resolve the ASUU-FG conflict to keep students busy.
“In conclusion, PJAN appeals to the FG to, as a matter of urgency, resolve the issue of ASUU strike to enable our youth resume their studies as vices could go out of control if our teeming youth are not kept busy in a positive way”