FUTO, IMSU students relish resumption of academic activities

The students said they were glad the ASUU strike was over.

Some students of Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) and Imo State University (IMSU) have expressed relief at the resumption of academic activities following the suspension of universities lecturers’ strike.

The lecturers, under the aegis of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), suspended their five-month old strike after the Federal Government met their demands.

ASUU on December 17 suspended its strike following the resolution of its dispute with the Federal Government.

The areas of conflict were funding and improved welfare package for the university lectures.

A visit by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) to the two universities on Tuesday indicated that lectures had started in earnest.

Chuka Ilomuanya, a second year student at the department of Animal Science, FUTO, commended ASUU for standing their ground and getting their dues.

He blamed the Federal Government for the period the strike lasted, saying the wasted time would have been averted if government had acted timely enough.

He, however, said it was happy that at last the differences between the Federal Government and the lecturers were resolved.

Nkiruka Nlemchi, a final year student at FUTO, said that the resumption of students was a huge relief for her.

She said that she was hopeful that the last semester exams slated to commence on January 16would not be postponed again.

“If not for the strike, I would have been a graduate before the end of 2013, I really hope nothing delays our exams this time,” she said.

Adaeze Ezeonu, a first year Mass Communication student at Imo State University, said that although lectures had started at the university they were still irregular.

“Lectures have started. Though they’re not regular but we’re glad to be back on campus. At least it’s better than wasting our time at home,’’ she said.

Sonia Ezeugwu, a third year student of Psychology, said she had only three lectures since the school re-opened on January 6.

“ASUU should have tried to meet the government halfway in its demands. This would have saved us all a lot of time and all these troubles,’’ she said.

(NAN)