ASUU strike: NASS to initiate new policies on education

ABUJA — Worried by the incessant strike by
universities and other tertiary institutions, the
National Assembly is set to initiate legislative
educational policies that would regulate
frequent industrial actions in Nigeria.
Senate President, David Mark, stated this at the
first conference of National and State Assembly
Committees on Education organized by the
Senate Committee on Education.
Mark, who was represented by the Senate
Minority leader, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, said
it was imperative that particular attention be
paid to the country’s education sector which,
according to him, is in serious need of
transformation.
He said: “The persistent industrial action by
the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian
universities has had huge impact on the
country’s education system and there is need
for the senate to initiate legislative solutions to
the problem.
”Issues of educational development have been
priority of government and it has called for
comprehensive and sustainable policies that
will deliver good standards, decent
environment and cost effectiveness.”
He, however, called on the federal government
and ASUU to urgently come to an agreement to
call off the 84 days’ old strike.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Education,
Senator Uche Chuwkumerije, in his goodwill
message, identified poor funding and
inconsistent policies as the two major
challenges facing the country’s education
sector.
Senator Chuwkumerije also reaffirmed the
senate committee’s position on education,
stating that it was central to the development
and maintenance of the different sectors of the
nation’s economy.