Nigerian students are leveraging the ongoing ASUU strike to learn new skills and to make money. The strike has lasted for more than a month and students can no longer stay indoors hoping that they resume school soon. WITHIN NIGERIA spoke to students to know how they are fairing outside the confines of their classrooms.

The ASUU strike has lasted for more than a month and the union is yet to reach an agreement with the FG on their demands.

ASUU is demanding the renegotiation of the ASUU/FG 2009 agreement and the sustainability of the university autonomy by deploying UTAS to replace the government’s Integrated Payroll and Personnel information system (IPPIS).

Also, for the release of the reports of visitation panels to federal universities, distortions in salary payment challenges, funding for revitalization of public universities, earned academic allowance, poor funding of state universities, and promotion arrears.

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Students speak

Various students who speak to Within Nigeria said the ASUU strike has given them the time to learn new skills and gather money pending the time schools get reopened.

I would either learn a trade or start working anywhere that will take SSCE results, Asu Hozzy, a student of the University of Cross River told Within Nigeria.

“I would either learn a trade or start working anywhere that will take SSCE results. If I have my way, I’d rather join any of the Armed Forces,” he said.

My next line of action is to go back to sewing, Nwachukwu Faith, a student at the University of Benin said.

“ I’m not happy about the ongoing strike at all. As a 100 level student, I’ve been a fresher since 2020. My next line of action is to go back to sewing since I’m a seamstress; I will also start affiliate marketing. During this period I really want to do many legal things to make money “

Olalekan Shindara, a 100 level student studying French education at the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), said she intends to learn how to make creams.

“ I heard that the ASUU strike is usually prolonged, I am always at home, studying sometimes is tiring. I want to learn Cream mixing. Know how to make creams, facial creams, body, lotion lip balm, and many more. Then, after the training and I know that I can do it perfectly, I’ll start selling it” she said.

I’m planning to work as an intern in Oyo State Gymnasium, Oshoniyi Mofiyinfoluwa, a 400 level student of Human Kinetics and Health Education at Ekiti State University(EKSU) told Within Nigeria.

“The strike is not a good one for me now but I’m maximizing it by getting more serious with my business, also I’m planning to work as an intern in Oyo State Gymnasium as it’s in line with what I’m studying in school,” she said.

Another student of Ekiti State University(EKSU), Oluwapelumi olajiga, told Within Nigeria that she has learning how to acquire new skills since the ASUU strike started.

“ During this period, I’ve been attending online classes to acquire more skills. I want to maximize this ASUU period to grow myself,” she said

A 400 level student studying Biochemistry at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Mohammed Halimat, said the strike pushed her to get catering skills.

“During the 4-week strike, I learned catering. I will still be learning more and hopefully start making cakes to get money for myself” she said

A 200 level student of Mass Communication at the Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), Akinola Abidemi, said she’s currently undergoing an internship in a radio station.

I’m currently undergoing an internship in a radio station to keep myself busy and learn the practical aspect of broadcasting. I will be doing this till they call off the strike” she said.

I had to stop my catering business in school because of the ASUU strike but I’m currently in search of a job, Adegbite Taiwo, a 300 level Business education student at Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) told Within Nigeria

“ I am not doing anything at the moment. I had to stop my business in school because of the strike but I’m currently working towards getting a job” she said.

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