38 People Share The Worst/Best Ways They’ve Been Affected by The ASUU Strike
School, one of the basic fundamental rights of any country; the right to education. Yet, in Nigeria, a major educational board, Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has been on strike for the past 7 months with no hope of calling it off anytime soon. Yes, if you’re a Nigerian living in Nigeria, it won’t come as a shock to you that students have been at home since 14th February 2022.
In light of this, Afrolady has decided to host this question for this episode of Afrogist: What’s the worst/best way the ASUU strike has affected you? Here are the various responses from both students and non-students.
“Been able to develop my skill set and meet amazing people.”
Semlore (M)
Nigeria
“Are you counting correctly?
Seems like 10 years to me
If not more.”
Chimobi Specter (M)
Lagos State
“Asuu strike has allowed me to know and learn more about technology as the world keeps evolving in tech.”
Blessed (F)
Nigeria
“Well, these days, I am caught in the middle of two major feels. On some days, I feel like these past months of the strike have been the best months of my career. I am currently taking courses and running an internship program side by side and the space is just what I need. Other times -most times, I am wholly overwhelmed by the weight this country has placed on my shoulders and I just want to scream and cry. I feel stuck and the feeling is suffocating.
However, I am learning to be grateful still.”
Ruona (F)
Delta State
“The best way is the opportunity I have to gather more work experience before graduating from school. The worst way is that they are prolonging my stay in school, I just want to graduate (is that too much to ask, ASUU and FG?)😭😭😭😭”
Chuchu (F)
Benin City
“The best way ASUU strike has affected me is becoming more devoted in Christ 😇and taking up a new skill😌”
Victoria (F)
Nigeria
“Well, so far, the strike has been two months (2 sides) of a coin. I mean it’s affected me both positively and negatively.
Negatively in the sense that, it’s put my education pursuit on a stand still while my age and clock keeps counting meaning I’m growing older cause I already planned my life the very year I was given admission having high hopes that by 2022, I’m outta school but the table is different today….
Positively in the aspect that it’s given me a lil opportunity to work and earn something for myself and save as well cause this is a platform I would never have been given if I was schooling…. Also given me time to be with my family cause I know I got hurt the few times I spent with them before my graduation and I would be out of their roof😊…
So far, these are the effects the strike has had on me.”
David (M)
Ondo State
“ASUU strike has been known by most people to be ‘a hold of time’ in the sense that there is stagnancy in the education sector and the future of students is hindered in their academics. But as for me, I would say it is advantageous for an individual to engage in personal development activities, self-evaluation exercise; and this can be achieved through inter-personal relationship with other people through attendance of social activities and taking out time to work at a place with the mindset of amassing practical knowledge and experience.”
Ray (M)
Edo State
“Firstly I am supposed to be in my finals by now but because of it, I’m still in 300l.
Mentally if I think of ASUU, I feel like shedding tears because I made the mistake of going to a federal university.”
Bibi (F)
Nigeria
“The strike has made me become restless and always in anticipation for it to be over.
Well as it says, ‘when two elephants fight, it’s the grass that suffers.’ I will just sit and pray for a miracle cos am beginning to go depressed.”
Anthony (M)
Lagos
“It has affected me in so many ways.
Simple as A.B.C.D
We are getting old at home, especially the ladies.
Am speechless. I don’t really know what to say.
Most especially the Asuu strike has changed our guarantee for success through education.
Asuu strike is now advising us to go and hussle…
And that was not what we planned for ourselves.”
Gift (F)
Edo State
“Alright…
So it actually affected me in a positive way
Ella (F)
Kogi State
“For me, ASUU strike has had a positive impact..
It has allowed me to bond, spend time and take care of my baby…
It has also given me the opportunity to work and practice in my field of study, which is education. The only disadvantage is that it would delay the year I would be graduating.”
Somebody’s Mom (F)
Lagos State
“Asuu strike has negative effect cause by now I’m supposed to have finished my 2nd semester exams and be in 200level… buh all is well sha.”
Joseph (M)
Bayelsa
“With the help of the HOLY SPIRIT, the strike has helped me, spiritually, physically, financially;
I’m able to save money in that I’m staying with my parents and I’m working and because of the nature of my job, I’m able to learn some skills.
I’m able to pray well, read and do exercise and also my expenses have reduced.”
Tunde (M)
Ogun State
“Well to be honest, the strike really favoured me in many ways.
But I still want the strike to be called off…
We’re not getting any younger so they need to stop this.”
Prince (M)
Kebbi
“Well the Asuu strike has been helpful to me, because I was able to use the opportunity to start up a popcorn business for myself. And I’m making good money every single day. I know the Asuu strike has put my education and studies on hold, but it also gave me the advantage of starting up something for myself which I’m grateful for.
And even if the strike is called off, I can continue the popcorn business in school and it won’t affect my studies at all because it’s not stressful. Every disappointment is a blessing. Students should take advantage of this opportunity to learn a skill or start up a small business, there’s no excuse for anyone.”
Glory (F)
Benin City
“Positively, ASUU strike gives me enough time to take the steps I want to take for my career. I am not burdened with school activities so I have time for myself. It made me ask myself, what are you going to do with your life? It makes me see that I have to stand on my own. When we were in school, the pressure of the short calendar was too much. I am no longer waiting for when I graduate to start building my career. For the negative aspect, the zeal I had for school has been lost. I don’t know how I will pick up my books when school starts. When we resume, they will rush us even though we don’t learn properly. What’s the use of a certificate you can’t defend? My friends in private universities have graduated and moved on with their lives. Also, this strike has interrupted the plans I had for my life. I have been trying to get a job but employers are saying they can’t employ a student because ASUU can call off strike at any time. Now I am sitting down at home doing nothing while I am getting older. I miss my friends, I miss school.”
Presh (F)
Lagos State
”I have a two-way-answer to this. The ASUU strike has affected me positively because I have had time to acquire some skills online without excuses from school. Negatively, I am bored of school already. If school resumes now, I won’t be excited to come to school. It seems like what I am pursuing is still so far ahead. Many people have plans for their lives and when one aspect is on hold, they can’t move forward.”
Favour (F)
Delta State
“In a good way and a bad way. I get to spend more time with my family. In a bad way, I want to be done with my education and move on . Not this pause and resume nonsense that they are doing. School naim be my main focus now, I no carry any other thing for my head. Make them resume!!”
Ogaga (M)
Delta State
“It has affected me because it is like a setback. People in private school have graduated or moved to the next session. If care is not taken, three years from now, we will still be in school. The thing is annoying and it is wasting our time and our future.”
Gideon (M)
Benin City
“I upgraded my skills because of the strike. I am perfect at it now. When school was going on, I wasn’t taking it seriously. I am now able to do business but the willingness to learn is gone o. I’m not sure I will be serious with my studies.”
Mike (M)
Ibadan
“The strike has affected me positively. I have been able to start an online business, learn a little about coding and be of immense help to my family.
The strike hasn’t affected me negatively🕺🕺”
Josh (M)
Abuja FCT
“I no see road go camp oh. I graduate but these people are still trying to delay my destiny😭”
Alias 007 (F)
Lagos, Nigeria
“ASUU strike has affected me psychologically. I am extremely bored. I don’t have any friends to talk to because most of my friends are from school. The strike has affected me financially because I do business in school and everyone is at home.”
Bode (M)
Port-Harcourt
“I should have been in 200L but I’m at home.”
Angry student (F)
Minna
“Asuu strike sha done me good…..like I’ve always wanted to learn how to bake so with dis strike na I’m learning a thing or two about baking and I also got a job as well as a bartender….
All in all sha, the strike has been treating me good… but I’m still waiting for dem to call off d strike sha😂😂”
Misty (F)
Anambra
“There’s nothing much to say. Even though some persons will say the strike has been positive, there is a general negative part because it slows down our academic pursuit. For people that have their lives dependent on going to school, it will affect them all round. As for me, school does not take my full attention. School or no school, it doesn’t stop me from becoming who God wants me to become. If school is closed, there are other ways to get there. If the ASUU strike lasts forever, I can not be jobless.”
Emeka (M)
Edo State
“It affected me positively and negatively. Positively, I am using it to learn my father’s business. The negative side is that I am tired. It is blocking my brain. If I carry my books now, I cannot do anything with them.”
Chuks (M)
Enugu State
“Very positively. If not, where I for see money buy new phone? With the small weekly allowance I receive in school??”
Susan (F)
Lagos State
“Psychologically, emotionally and academically, it has affected me. School isn’t meant to be stopped intermittently. It is a system that is expected to flow smoothly except at completion or during semester breaks. We are being forced to stop classes for six months and counting shows the extent of massive failures we will witness when the strike is called off. Financially, I am forced to pay extra rent for two years when I am not living in the house. Psychologically, it is painful to know that your life has been placed on hold till further notice. It is quite saddening that the people who have gone through the educational system are the same ones using their own hands to kill it simply because they have selfish interests.”
Favour (F)
Edo State
“Concerning this question, the ASUU strike has affected me both positively and negatively. There are many things I wouldn’t have thought of learning if we were in school but I have been able to learn a lot of things. I have been able to master affiliate marketing and go into content writing. However, it is a big delay and has made me lose interest in my books. I don’t read anymore because I don’t know when they will call it off. The circumstances of the strike will not even allow me to assimilate my books. I have planned my life. I am supposed to be writing 200 level second semester exams now but I am still in 100 level first semester.
Phillip (M)
Nigeria
“A lot of things have happened to me since we went on strike, so I can say the asuu strike has affected me negatively. Negatively, boredom, loss of interest in education and lack of funds because my source of income comes from my parents when they give me money for upkeep.
Ada (F)
Nigeria
“It has affected me positively. I was able to start something tangible.”
Agbontean (M)
Benin City
“It has helped me see the reality of life and plan instead of waiting for ‘after university.’ I also like the fact that I have been able to discover myself during this time. One disadvantage is that my life is being delayed. By now, I should be in my final year but I am still in year two. I know it will take a while for me to bounce back when the strike is over. These people don’t care about our mental health also, they will certainly rush us when we resume. Packing all our classes and exams together in a short time. Rent that I paid for this year is also wasted just like it was wasted in 2020. I just hope they call off this strike before the end of the year.”
Lisa (F)
Nigeria
“The positive side of this strike is:
- I don’t have to worry abt school or going late to class
- I have all the time in the world to sleep
- No spending money on books, materials, and other school stuff
- I’m free from school stress (running up and down looking for venue or going early to class)
- I don’t have to worry abt test, assignment, exams for now I’m just free.
As for the negative effect😹 omo that one long:
- First, I miss school 😫
- I miss my friends and their cruise
- Home is so boring. It’s like I’m repeating the same thing everyday
- School is kinda my source of livelihood Asuu don hack am. I’m broke now🥺🥺🥺
- House chores wan finish me. Me that they use to pamper, they now shout out me because of too much familiarity 🥲🥲🥲
Anyhow I want this strike to be called off. I don tire for house.”
Evidence (F)
Nigeria
“The strike has affected me in many ways but I believe everything that has a disadvantage still has an advantage. I will start with the bad side of this strike. There is a stage you will get to in terms of your age that you won’t be eligible for some opportunities like jobs and scholarships. We end up losing opportunities because our education was delayed even if we are a good fit. The expenses we are accumulating because of house rent is terrible because the economy is not good at all, especially to the average Nigerian like me. People who have old parents can’t graduate and take the responsibility off them. The positive aspect of this is that I now have a job as a secretary.”
Praise (F)
Nigeria
Finally, a sort of eulogy from one of our contributors. Please read and enjoy!
ASUU STRIKE: A BLESSING OR A CURSE?
“Too many people are unaware that it is not outer events or circumstances that will create happiness; rather, it is our perception of events and of ourselves that will create, or uncreate, positive emotions.”
~Albert Ellis
So many ills abound in this ever developing country called Nigeria(the supposed Giant of Africa). The consistency in the surge of panicky issues and events in recent times has on a very humorous note shown how much a Giant of Africa Nigeria is indeed.
Prominent amongst the ills the citizens, especially the young citizens are faced with is the presently disturbing strike of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). Owing to the unmet financial demands of the union by the government, the union has with the use of the very confrontational tool of unionism which is strike action, dealt to the government a very big blow of shutting down classrooms, thereby inhibiting the academic process of students; bad though.
But in the light of the introductory statement, it would be important to emphatically make known the very importance of our thoughts about and towards prevailing situations, as the thoughts of our minds are widely responsible for the reactions we take concerning prevailing circumstances. Education, though a worthwhile endeavour, is just one among other very important and time-worthy endeavours. So many individuals who have actually been caught up in this time of academic and institutional standstill have actually done well profitably with the time the strike afforded them, as some have been able to decipher latent strengths that they wouldn’t have had due to not having enough time to find and harness, but for the time the strike afforded them. Education seems one amongst the plethora of worthwhile endeavours that individuals can delve into and find fulfilment. The strike action, that has lasted so long now though, has seen to the increase of insurgency as perpetrated by the youths of the time. It has also seen the diversification of interest of well meaning youths in this society of ours, as many have made quality use of this time to acquire high income earning skills that will place them and afford them an edge over poverty .
True it is that so much has happened negatively to students academically, but false it is that the strike action has been a total waste of time. Prominent among the blessings that comes with the strike action is circumstantial and substantial increase of the cravings of the society for a better federal representative and by extension, a forsaking of frivolities for the reason of actually becoming so enthusiastic about political activities and reigns. Obviously, students which form a great majority of the Nigerian youth population have for the first time become very involved in the processes that are expected to culminate into the success or failure of the forthcoming elections. As it stands, the strike action has seen the exponential increase of students (who are largely politically involved in Nigeria presently) in voter card registration and other campaigning activities. Never in history has Nigeria got the turn out for political business they have realised so far in recent times- ASUU strike is a blessing indeed.
Very significant a blessing the strike has been to the younger generation, especially the students. In the search for a means to augment their primary parental source of livelihood, they have been able to gather work-related skills that would stick and be handy in the future time of a more permanent and rewarding employment opportunity. In addition, these are opportunities they will be more prepared and able to secure as a result of the gathered educational and work-related skill set. A contemporary Nigerian youth now understands what it means to get ethically indulged in business dealings or human relationship development for the purpose of enormously profiting – a capacity that so many had involuntarily failed to imbibe.
Isn’t that so much good the strike has done?
Remember, things or events are what they are only because we defined them so or we chose to see them that way. For the benefit of environmental awareness, it’s good we understand that a good number of the contemporary Nigerian youth have wisely and experientially come to accept educational pursuit as one for the purpose of enlightenment and not just a means of livelihood. So, a typical Nigerian youth has now come to appreciate the purpose of education as one that seeks to expand our horizon for better managerial ability whether in business, academics or politics. As controversial as my stance may seem to be, I remain emphatically assertive of the glaring and indubitable fact that the ASUU strike has been a blessing.
~Oghoghoo-omoruyi Amadinaiyagbon
Well, there you have it. In everything, you gain some and you lose some. Turning lemons thrown at you into lemonade, isn’t that what life is all about? For the Nigerian Students yet to graduate or move forward as a result of this ASUU strike, please stay strong and take heart. We assure you, the whole of Nigeria stands with you. The earlier the ASUU strike is called off, the better for all. Afrolady honestly and genuinely wishes you the best in all of life’s endeavours.
Happy New Month and Happy Weekend!!
What's Your Reaction?
