Senate chief whip Orji Kalu has advised President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime and the ruling All Progressives Congress not to toy with the future of Nigerian youths amid the unending negotiations with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to end the union’s months-long strike.

“We must stop playing with the future of our youths,” stated Mr Kalu.

The chief whip, in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja decried the disruption of academic activities as a result of strikes by the university lecturers.

According to him, Mr Buhari’s regime should also endeavour to implement the signed agreements with the lecturers in the interest of students, their parents, the education sector and the country.

Mr Kalu, an APC chieftain, described as worrisome the continued brain-drain in the country, which he said had contributed to poor quality of Nigerian graduates.

“Incessant strikes disrupt the academic calendar, encourage brain drain and contribute significantly to the poor quality of graduates in the country, with far-reaching implications on national development,” noted Mr Kalu. “The federal government should urgently take all necessary measures to open a realistic negotiation with ASUU to stop the strike and implement the signed agreements in the interest of our students, their parents, the education sector and the country.”

ASUU has been on strike since February 14, 2022, due to Mr Buhari’s failure to meet its demands.

ASUU president Emmanuel Osedeke said the union took the “difficult decision” after exhausting all avenues available to amicably settle the matter with the regime.

On Tuesday, Mr Osedeke censured Mr Buhari for his “enough is enough” comment. 

(NAN)