The ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities seems to have pushed some lecturers to think outside the box so as to make an end meet.
Many of the lecturers were said to have resorted to farming and other means of engagement to survive the harsh biting impact of the lingering crisis between the union and the federal government.
This was confirmed by the president of the Union, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke while speaking with Punch Newspaper.
He noted that the federal government refusal to honour the agreement signed with the Union is greatly hurting the lecturers.
On Saturday, the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities and Non-Academic Staff Union called off their strike following the decision of the government to release a sum of 50 billion naira to pay earned allowances for University staffs.
However, ASUU refused to back down from their demands as teaching activities across the universities remained inactive. The lecturers insist that the federal government must pay their six months salaries for the period they have been on strike.
The government has however rejected the condition from the Union. This was confirmed by the minister of Education during a ministerial briefing last week Thursday.
Speaking on the matter to Punch Newspaper, ASUU president confirmed that so many lecturers have now gone into farming and other business ventures due to the negative impact the situation has had on them.
“So many lecturers are leaving to engage in farming and others; lecturers are tired of the treatment they’re receiving from the government and because of this, they are looking for alternatives. So many more will leave even after the strike too.
“I pity the country; Nigeria will be the loser for it. Instead of coming to the table; look at how they will solve the issue, rather, they believe in punishing lecturers. It’s so sad. Your lecturers went on strike, you believe they will become hungry and come back to beg. Many lecturers will also leave to venture into other areas; some are also looking at becoming self-employed.”
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