Two-year after Iyayi's death, education still underfunded – ASUU
Sodiq Oyeleke
Academic Staff Union of Universities, Obafemi Awolowo University branch has lamented that two years after the death of Prof. Festus Iyayai, there has been no significant changes in the educational sector.
The lecturers also warned the federal government and the newly appointed Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, to comply with the agreement existing between the FG and ASUU.
The lecturers said this in a press conference in honour of the late Prof Festus Iyayi, who lost his life in an accident while heading to a meeting on the implementation of NEEDS among other demands by ASUU in 2013.
It would be recalled that the accident was reportedly caused by the convoy of Kogi State Governor, Idris Wada.
Chairman of the ASUU-OAU, Dr. Caleb Aborisade, challenged the President Muhammad Buhari-led administration to investigate the death of Iyayi, noting that it was doubtful that Iyayi died a natural death.
Aborisade also urged Vice-Chancellors in Nigeria Universities to make judicious use of the NEEDS fund given to them as a means to honour Iyayi.
He said, "We still demand for justice because the autopsy conducted on Iyayi showed that the severity of the accident could not kill Iyayi but the iron object that pierced through him. It is saddening that two years after Iyayi's death, education still remained underfunded. Although all efforts made by ASUU have not yielded desired result, we will not rest on our agitation for standard education.
"Our hope is that with the new executive cabinet/ministers of President Buhari, more attention will be given to education. We also challenge VCs not to squander the NEEDS fund given to them so that Iyayi will not die in vain."
Comrade Saheed Adekilekun urged the new government to curb the excesses of government officials on Nigerian roads, lamenting that it was improper for them to be the cause of Nigerians death.
"The government of the day championing the change mantra should stop the recklessness of governors and government officials leading to death of many Nigerians, including Iyayi. The lives of Nigerians should not be murdered or affected by government officials who should be protecting them," he said.
Another ASUU-OAU member, Mrs Tayo Omisore, described Iyayi as a legend and warrior who died on the battle of ensuring educational growth.
On her part, ASUU-OAU treasurer, Mrs. Sakpere Ayobola, while commiserating with the family of Iyayi urged the federal government to redeem all the pledges made with the union.
http://dailytimes.com.ng/asuu-warns-fg-new-minister-thwarting-agreement/
Written by NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE
Sodiq Oyeleke is a Media, Human Resources, Project Management and Public Relations Practitioner
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