Nigeria@62: Oyo State’s Catholic Church Diocese Calls For Re-Opening Of Universities

Bishop Emmanuel Badejo of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo State called on the Federal Government on Friday to find a long-term solution to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike, calling it “tragic.”

Badejo stated this in a letter to Nigerians ahead of the country’s 62nd anniversary of independence on October 1.

The cleric also advised public officials not to suspend governance during the campaign season for the 2023 general elections.

He stated that ending the strike was a top priority and that ASUU and the government needed to change tactics to avoid further escalation.

Badejo said, “Most Nigerians today are angry and frustrated by one thing or the other; the ASUU strike, insecurity, crippling economy, bad roads, poor governance, among other ills.

“The numerous challenges we face need no re-enumeration and I call on all Nigerians to re-focus their energies on charting the new dawn ahead.

“All of us, politicians and citizens, must save Nigeria standing at this tipping point and behave accordingly.

“Politicians must commit to non-violence and learn to disagree without being disagreeable so as not to set fire to the tinder of public disaffection all around.

“They must sincerely embrace the rule of law and avoid doublespeak. Politicking must be mutually respectful and shun false and hate rhetoric which heats up the polity.”