Okebukola speaks on eventual benefits of ASUU strike

Former Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Peter Okebukola, has said that the dividend of the strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), will be huge in the universities.

Okebukola, who disclosed this while speaking with The Tribune, on the issues that would possibly shape the sector in 2019, said: “The dividend of the ASUU strike will be huge injection of more funds into our universities.”

According to him, 2019 will turn out to be one of the best years in funding education in Nigeria in recent times.

Okebukola also pointed out that because of improved funding, there will be marked improvements in schools and universities in physical resourcing and welfare of staff in the universities will also be enhanced.

He also posited that this year, will see to the attainment of not less than 60% of the objectives of the Ministerial Strategic Plan 2016-2019.

Looking at the indices that surround his predictions, he said: “January 2019 will also witness the formal launch of the Rasheed Revitalisation Blueprint for Nigerian Universities and the active pursuit of its targets on access, quality, governance, research and innovation, curriculum renewal, ICT deployment and reduction in academic corruption.

“As shown by trends in election years, the 2019 general elections will impact positively on the education sector as the winners will strive to impress by trying to fulfil their election promises to the citizenry in the first year of assuming the reins of power or renewing their mandate.

“Thereafter, we cannot be too sure as our politicians are too quick to forget promises they make to the electorate.”