LRF Discusses ASUU Strikes & the Nigerian Tertiary Institutions

The Literary Renaissance Foundation (LRF) held its first quarter reading culture dialogue session on Saturday, 27 January 2024.

The session, themed “ASUU Strikes and the Prospects of Tertiary Institutions”, was conducted through Zoom with Mr Babatunde Oladele, the Convener, as the chairperson.

It began with the introduction of all participants, including Dr Alex Akanmu, who is the chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ilorin Chapter, and one of the representatives of the tertiary institutions body.

The Nigerian Federal Ministry of Education was well represented by Dr Emem. O. Etunkwa, Deputy Director, Education, Information and Documentation, commended the initiative of the Literary Renaissance Foundation.

She said, “I am happy to be part of this session of LRF that dares to do something different. As the Head of the Reading Unit of the Federal Ministry of Education, I will create an avenue for a partnership with this great organization”.

Mrs Mehlon Keturah Maigari, Assistant Director from the Federal Ministry of Education was also present.

Mrs Olabisi Olasupo spoke as the first representative of parents, saying, “I am here as a parent and an educator as well. I have three children at the University of Ilorin and I am an alumnus as well.”

Mr. Hyacinth Egwaba of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment praised the session and described it as “an avenue to upgrade the youths and their reading habit in the country and beyond”.

The session delved into the discussion of serious issues, with many participants expressing their feelings about what ASUU actions have done to them.

Many suggestions were made, with Dr. Alex stressing that ASUU does not only stand for strike actions but also serves as the connecting bridge between the Federal Government and tertiary institutions. Each participant followed the reading of the discussion guide, and deliberations took place after the reading of each section.

The LRF Director, Mr Babatunde Oladele, thanked everyone for their active participation at the end of the session and announced the next session scheduled for April 2024, with “Employability of Nigerian Graduates” as the possible title.