The President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government of Nigeria has been strongly admonished to promptly find lasting solution to all issues causing friction between it and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
This admonition was given on Thursday evening by the Oyo South Senatorial candidate of Accord, Mr Kolapo Kola-Daisi in Ibadan, the capital city of the state.
Kola-Daisi, who was the special guest at a programme tagged ‘The Podium’ organized by the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) also added that the Federal Government should make sure that once the strike action is called off, it does not reoccur again.
His words “I do not wish to apportion blames. All I want is that there should be an end to the incessant strike action by ASUU. Our society must start prioritizing the interests of our young ones. Governments should redirect resources towards the welfare of our youths, our students.”
Kola-Daisi added “You see, teaching is one of the most noble professions in the world. Our society should do what is right to encourage those involved with this profession.
“Another thing is that Nigeria cannot, as a nation afford what we are presently witnessing. Between 60 and 70 per cent of our youths are already jobless. We cannot afford to now add our public university students to this growing number.
“We should not keep these university students away from school. This wastefulness is too much. Government should put them into consideration and in fact make their welfare a priority while preparing the budget.”
Kola-Daisi, an economist and banker also used the opportunity to speak about why he thinks he is better than the other candidates from the other parties that he will be contesting against for the Oyo South Senatorial district’s seat next year.
According to him, “I represent the youths, a critical part of the Nigerian voting public. Like I submitted earlier, most of them are jobless and nobody seems to be interested in addressing their problems. Or what is our leaders doing about the challenges facing the youths?”
The Europe-trained accountant also said that when he eventually emerges victorious at the senatorial election, he will work hard to protect the interests of the youth in his constituency.
He added “As an economist and finance expert, I have seen a lot. I have also gathered experiences in my sojourn. I intend to deploy my knowledge and experience.
“In addition, I can say that I am fortunate that I came from a family that is well-grounded. Nothing is supposed to ‘enter my head’. I will remain level-headed. I can also say that I have reliable political leaders in our party, Accord. They are always there to ensure that we do what is right at the right time. I pledge that after emerging victorious, I am not going to forget where I started from.”
‘The Podium’ was organized by the Comrade Ademola Babalola-led exco of Oyo NUJ. The panelists who interviewed Mr Kolapo Kola-Daisi included Femi Atoyebi, the South West bureau chief of The Cable and others.
Packaged by Omolara Oyewole
