12/10/2025
ASUU Strike: A Call to Fellow Students
As the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) will begin its two-week warning strike in the next few hours, this period should not be seen as mere downtime. Itโs an opportunity for students to learn, grow, and build valuable skills that can shape their future. The strike will eventually end, but the skills you acquire now will remain with you for life.
ASUU strikes have almost become like an annual festival. Itโs difficult to graduate from a Nigerian university without being affected by it. This has undoubtedly stifled academic activities, destabilized academic calendar, and increased the study timeframe for students.
Itโs important to note that no lecturer is happy when the union embarks on a strike. However, over the years, ASUU members have had no choice but to hold the government accountable for fulfilling its promise, promises that are in the best interest of our university education system in Nigeria. From 1999 to date, ASUU has embarked on 17 industrial actions, with the 2020 strike being the longest one which lasted for nine months and sadly, with minimal results or even end in futility.
Now that ASUU is embarking on another strike, the primary victims are students, followed by ASUU member themselves. Students will have their academic calendar prolonged, which often affects them even after graduation. Many graduates are rejected for certain jobs, scholarships, and other opportunities due to age limits, which is an issue sometimes caused by prolonged ASUU strikes.
Students must understand that academic staff are not excited about their frequent industrial actions; they are fighting for the betterment of the education system. The system is suffering and malfunctioning, and if not fixed, it will eventually collapse just like what we're seeing in Primary and Secondary Schools. Therefore, instead of cursing ASUU or its members, students should utilize this time wisely to learn new skills, acquire knowledge, or engage in meaningful activities.
Yes, your precious time may seem wasted, but it can also pave the way for self-development. If you are already in business or any entrepreneurial activity, use this time to improve it. You can also learn a new skill that will benefit you in the future.
As students, subject yourselves to intensive learning, read more books and journals within your field and beyond. The E-library is a great resource to expand your knowledge and skills.
Here I bring you some useful skills you can learn before the strike ends:
1. Data Analysis (Excel, Power BI, or SPSS): this is a skill that'll help you starting from your final year project to even after graduation, build your analytical and research skills.
2. Graphic Design e.g Canva: as a student, use your smart phone to learn how to reate visual content for personal branding or business, it is money making skill.
3. Web Design / WordPress Development etc: it is apparent and irritating that many computer graduates cannot develop a simple website while condemning ASUU for its action to make the university for effective, as a student use this time to learn how to design websites for individuals and organizations.
4. CV and Cover Letter Writing: before you graduate, make sure you learn these basic skills. They're skills that no lecture will teach you in classroom but one can learn them during this time. Learn how to tailor applications for scholarships, jobs, and internships before you even graduate. No one is out there to do it for you, yes no one.
5. Email: it is ashame to see a university student who can't compose and send a simple email message. As a student, it is necessary for you to know how to compose and send email, use this striking time to Master the art of formal and persuasive communication through email.
6. Public Speaking and Presentation Skills: mobilize your roommates , hostel mates or even your ciursemates to practice the act of public speaking, organize tutorials and seminar to train yourself, boost your confidence and communication power, you'll thank me later.
7. Content Creation and Video Editing (CapCut, InShot etc): even this week , I hired a content creator to video shoot me for one application, this is a skill that'll give you money while studying your core course
8. Fashion and tailoring
9. Shoe and Bag Making
10. Soap, Perfume, and Cosmetics Production etc. make the list endless.
These skills can serve as sources of income while studying and after graduation.
Donโt let the strike catch you idle, use it as a window of opportunity to invest in yourself. When lectures resume, return not just as a student but as a killed, informed, and empowered individual ready for the future.
My fellow students, I said this from personal experience. I was undergrad during ASUUโs longest strike in 2022. I returned home but refused to stay idle. I engaged in value-adding activities that shaped my mindset and contributed to who I am today. Strike should not stop your progress, convert it into an opportunity to make a difference.
And lastly, adjust your mindset to see where the real fault lies, the government. Educate yourself and those around you. When itโs time for elections, vote wisely and mobilize good people to take leadership roles, for your future and the future of your children.
Remember, bad leaders are the precursors of ASUU strikes.
Nafiu Lawal
12th October, 2025
