By Kwaptuam Rangnaan
On Monday, November 13, 2023, students of the University of Jos were met with frustration and disappointment as the Academic Staff Union of the University (ASUU) directed its members to withdraw all services in solidarity with the National Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) strike action. This move aimed to amplify their demands and press for change.
Before the ongoing strike, students had already voiced their concerns about the uncertainty and disruption within their academic environment. The situation had left them unsure about when classes would resume and how their academic calendar would be adjusted, leading to stress and anxiety among the student body.
Humphrey Hoomsuk, a 400-level student in the Linguistics department, highlighted the challenges faced by students during a strike, stating that the lack of regular classroom activities and interactions can cause a loss of academic momentum. This loss of momentum makes it difficult for students to maintain focus on their studies, making the strike a serious impediment to their educational progress.
James Kalong, a 200-level student in the English department, expressed his distress over the inconsistent academic activities the University of Jos has experienced over the years. “I would have almost completed my four-year course by now, but here I am, still in the second year,” he lamented. The delay in his education has caused him to lose interest in the pursuit of knowledge, as he worries about the possibility of unemployment after graduation.
Felicity John, a 300-level student in Mechanical Engineering, highlighted the hardships faced by Nigerian students amidst the strike. She pointed out that the increase in school fees, coupled with the current state of the economy, has made education more challenging for students. Furthermore, the continuous strikes potentially push students who have already given up or are struggling with fee payments to leave their educational pursuits, perceiving them as time-wasting and delaying their chances of progress in life.
John called on the National Labour Congress and the Federal Government to seek a lasting solution and bring an end to the recurring strikes. She emphasized the need to prioritize the education of Nigerian students, who are the future of the country, and urged all parties involved to consider the adverse effects of the strike on their academic journey.
As the strike continues to disrupt academic activities at the University of Jos, students remain hopeful for a resolution that will allow them to resume their studies, regain their academic momentum, and pursue their dreams without unnecessary interruptions.
