'Ghanaian Universities Are Beneficiaries of ASUU, Nut Strikes'

Members of the Cross River State House of Assembly said yesterday that universities abroad, especially those in Ghana are beneficiaries of strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Nigerian Union of Teachers(NUT).

During a deliberation on the current strike, Deputy Speaker of the Assembly Itaya Nyong said over 60 per cent of students schooling in Ghana are Nigerians and that as a result of the ASUU strike, many more have been forced to look in that direction.

"In recent times, we have been witnessing exodus of Nigerian students to neighbouring Ghana, where their educational system is stable. As a result of the ongoing strike by ASUU, a lot more are presently thinking of proceeding there. Who is benefiting," he said.

The Speaker Larry Odey, on his part, noted that education is the life wire of every nation as economic development depends on the quality of education of its citizens. He therefore urged that priority should be given to the sector.

He appealed to the Federal Government to engage ASUU in a meaningful dialogue with a view to bringing an end to the strike. He also urged labour unions to show integrity in their decisions.

Also speaking, the member representing Boki II state constituency Dr. Jake Enyia lamented that the over three month old strike has crippled the educational and economic sectors.

He said: "The Federal Government has released N130 billion to ASUU; N100bn for infrastructural repairs and N30 billion for lecturers allowance, yet ASUU has refused to listen to entreaties by well-meaning Nigerians."

He appealed to the union to suspend the strike in the interest of the students and country.