Don’t destroy varsity system, PFN warns ASUU, FG

BENIN — Pentecostal Fellowship of
Nigeria, PFN, has expressed worries over
the prolonged strike embarked upon by
Academic Staff Union of Universities,
ASUU, and urged the Federal Government
to hasten peace moves in the interest of
Nigerian students.
PFN, in a statement by its National
President, Rev. Felix Omobude, in Benin
City, Edo State, yesterday, acknowledged
the alleged failure of the Federal
Government to honour the agreement
reached with ASUU in 2009, and appealed
to parties to find urgent solution to the
problem so as not to destroy the
university system.
He said: “While PFN salutes the spartan
courage of the leadership of ASUU for its
positive position on the urgent need to
revamp and reposition the education
sector, PFN is of the strong view that the
need has arisen to bring into sharp focus,
the crushing brunt the country is now
being made to bear for the continued
closure of the universities.
“PFN appeals to ASUU not to throw away
the baby with its bath water but should
return to class as soon as possible in the
interest of parents, students and indeed,
the country.”
It urged the Federal Government to
treasure the integrity that goes with
honouring agreements by implementing
the said agreement with ASUU with
candour and greater commitment as that
will reposition and service the education
sector on continuous basis, instead of
waiting to be stampeded into action by
strikes.
PFN called on “the three tiers of
government to urgently address the
issues of insecurity and unemployment
currently posing serious threat to millions
of Nigerians. We urge government at all
levels to, as a matter of urgency, address
the issue of unemployment in the country
with particular emphasis on youth
restiveness.”