By Chizoba
Nnabugwu
The importance of learning and
knowledge acquisition to both Men and Women, in their efforts to make the best
out of the Biblical injunction, which enjoins Man to:
“Be fruitful and multiply, and
replenish the earth, and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea,
and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that move upon the
earth” can never be over emphasized.
The above, easily calls to mind the
relevance of Research, information seeking, data analysis, and of course, the indispensability
of informed conclusions. This understanding is as a matter of fact, very essential
as it explains why human capacity development is not only important but equally
very crucial to Man (used here for both sexes) in the deliberate efforts to
develop the self and the environment, and in doing so rule the earth and have
dominion over it.
The foregoing, could also be
responsible or at least explain, not only the reason but, equally the purpose
of putting up structures of effective planning, proper coordination, and close supervision
and indeed control measures to ensure conformity and relevance of output or
final result at the end of the process.
The structure referred to here, is
the school and the educational system put in place to guide efforts aimed at human
development in a formal setting or environment (for emphasis).
Putting into consideration the
environment under which Man operates on earth, a calculated guess as to the
reason(s) for setting up the school and the education system under which it
operates will include but, not limited to, the need to achieve breakthroughs,
fundamental results, lasting imprint, celebrated and far reaching influences, through
the process of teaching and learning.
Very common, easily identifiable
and operational at different levels in the School system are the Primary, Secondary
and Tertiary education. Each level is key and contributes significantly to the
development of Men and Women, in a world characterized by changes, challenges and
pressure of different magnitudes and momentum.
Drawing this discussion to the
point of focus; which is the very shameful, despicable and totally condemnable and
embarrassing act of timidity and indolence, exhibited by the Management of the University
of Jos, who recently, unceremoniously dissolved the “Students’ Union Government
(SUG)” that was duly elected by the students of the University; with a clear mandate
to work for and protect their interests, as students of the University could
best be described as UNFORTUNATE.
In a democratic environment, such
as Nigerians now find themselves, one expects that authorities at the citadel
of learning should be very conversant with the values of civilization by
adopting the path that is coated with honour in the handling of differences
that are bound to occur in a learning environment or academic field.
I have always opined that those in
leadership position should be very skillful and amenable to the tools of
dialogue and mediation.
They are condemned to explore by
all intent and purposes, every opportunity that would make it convenient for parties
in dispute to interact and in this process unburden their minds and see the
different sides of every issue.
People engagement as many people would
attest to has, apart from giving warring factions the platform to state their own
position in a matter, has helped immensely to douse tension, resolve disputes
and equally, make some positions held before the engagement unnecessary and
uncalled for.
It is a fact that, Nigeria as a
country is in a recession. It is also incontrovertible that, the economy is biting
hard on the people. Therefore, it is expected that an increment in school fees at
the University of Jos, of over one hundred percent (100%), would be resisted as
it did happened. This is not surprising. It is a fact that the University environment
is dominated by youths. Therefore, what is surprising is the response of the
University, which is a clear indication that certain things were not thought
through and necessary measures put in place for all concerned in the matter to
be on the same page before announcing the hike in fees.
It is therefore strongly advised
that the Management of University of Jos, should take appropriate steps and do
the needful. This matter must not get out of hand. The branch of the Academic
Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has spoken, through a letter, condemning the
action of the University’s Management. In the same vein, the National Association
of Plateau State Students (NAPSS), has also spoken, through a very peaceful
demonstration, an approach considered civil, of international standard and of best
practice in dispute situations. Similarly, the Civil Society Organizations
(CSOs), the None-governmental Organizations (NGOs), well-meaning Nigerians,
public affairs analysts and commentators operating in Plateau State, have all
raised their voices in condemnation of the way and manner the University’s
Management handled and is still handling the matter.
The University of Jos also has a Center
for Conflict Resolution. In situations such as this, one expects the University’s
Management to engage their services.
If I am not right, at least I will
be erring on the part of caution, if I argue that the aims and specific
objectives of a University’s Management is to provide the students with the
type of education that allows them to acquire skills and knowledge necessary
and relating to the ability to boldly express and communicate their concerns
whenever they feel cheated, maltreated, sidelined and rejected or for any
reason observe that their interest, is being undermined or trampled upon. It sounds
ridiculous to imagine that the same University that should pride itself, as
having produced very expressive, bold and intelligent chaps is still the one
maligning, intimidating and frustrating them (the students).
The decision by the Management of University
of Jos, to dissolve the “Students’ Union Government” of the University is condemnable
and unacceptable and should be resisted by all well-meaning people in Plateau state,
as it is being resisted. Militarizing the University system will do nobody any good.
It should be of note that, dissolving the Union, technically closes all doors
of negotiation between the students and the University authorities.
This development portends danger!
It is not only dictatorial, it is unconstitutional
and a violation of the students’ right of association and freedom to assemble. After
all “A child that says the soup prepared by the father is not delicious, wants
to hear the story of how the mother left”.
Time to act is now!
“A stich in time saves nine”.
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