Almost three months into the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike, many students have devised means to make the best of their time before the strike is called off. Doyin Adeoye spoke with students across different institutions and found out how they have been faring since the strike began.
The strike has lasted longer than I expected. In fact, initially it came as a surprise to many of us and we felt it would soon be called off, until it finally dawned on us. But personally, I feel lucky that I have a job to fall back on. I work with an online store, so I go to the office everyday and that keeps me busy. Also, I own an online electronics store and that has been a saving grace since the strike started. But for some of my friends, they are complaining of being bored and most of us have actually forgotten what it feels like to attend lectures.
Genevieve Craig
Department of Banking and Finance, 200-level, University of Lagos (UNILAG)
The strike has been more like a blessing in disguise, as it has helped many of us in different ways. It is tough staying at home doing nothing, so many students have redefined themselves by being creative and dexterous, waking up the spirit of entrepreneurship in us. Personally, I have been indulging myself in some online opportunities. I’ve learnt how to make money via blogging and website. But adversely, being a final year student, the strike has affected me from graduating this year, as the school calendar ought to end by November.
Aderoboye Adetula
Department of English Education, 400-level, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
I have been able to find something worthwhile doing to avoid just sitting at home and going on unprofitable errands. Since the strike started, I have been working with a graphic artist and I also attend seminars and visit art studios to improve my creativity skills.
Ganney Ibraheem
Department of Creative Arts, 200-level, Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED)
A larger percentage of students here in Abuja stay around trying to while away time as much as possible. Some take to the streets talking about politics and when the strike would likely come to an end. And by evening, many guys would gather around to play football or watch the premier league matches. But some others have taken to low pay incomes just to keep themselves busy.
Adeyemi Ajiboye
Department of Political Science, 400-level, University of Abuja
It’s been difficult because one is unsure of when the strike would be called off. I had to keep on reading just to be prepared for resumption. But coping hasn’t been that bad for me, because I’ve been busy with my career. As a model, this is the season for major runways and fashion shows, so I’ve been keeping myself very busy, while hoping that the strike would be called off soon.
Amanda Omogiafo (Miss UNILAG)
Department of Finance, 200-level, (UNILAG)
Initially, it wasn’t easy coping, because I live in Oyo State and I didn’t want to leave school because I felt the strike would be called off in a matter of weeks and I didn’t want to risk travelling back and forth. But a month into the strike, I just had to come back home and since then, I’ve been learning more about event management, baking and decorations and it has really helped a lot.
Olumide Soneye
University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
As a final year student, it has given me enough time to work on my project and the fact is, the strike has made some of us have more reasons to become entrepreneurs. There is no guarantee that there would be jobs after graduation, as many graduates are still out there jobless. So I feel it is a call to many students to stand up for themselves and put our creativity to use, by creating jobs for ourselves.
Olusholabomi Akinpelu Esther
Department of European Languages, 400-level, UNILAG
The strike is slowing down my academic pace. I’m supposed to be in my final year now and we have been delayed. I’ve not really been coping well because I miss being engrossed in my school works, but I’m running my IT programme, so as to at least make something out of the break.
Badmus Ajoke Comfort (Ex Miss LASU)
Department of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management, 300-level, Lagos State University (LASU)
I felt the best way to utilise the break was to learn a vocational skill, so I did that and I can categorically say that now I have a profession. I used the medium to become a professional makeup artist and it has been rewarding.
Animashaun Damilola (Miss Marketing)
Department of Marketing, 300-level, Lagos State University (LASU)
I have been opportune to work at a clinic, where I assist the doctor. And at times, I also go to the library to read and learn more. All in all, I’m making the most of the time at hand.
Onayemi Kehinde
Faculty of Medicine, 200-level, University of Ibadan (UI)
Personally, I am working on a pet project and as a culture inclined person, I’m trying to document some works on culture and improve my spirituality. The strike has given me an opportunity to lay the foundation for the projects I have at hand, so I’m making the most of it.
Omitonade Egbelade
Department of Economics, 300-level, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
I got a job at a supermarket and that has helped me avoid just staying at home doing nothing and moreover, I also get paid. Also, I learnt how to make beads accessories and I hope to make this knowledge a source of living when I get back to school.
Amarachi Ijeoma
Department of Medicine and Surgery, 300-level, Abia State University
Presently, I have started my SIWES programme to avoid staying at home idle, and I am also preparing for my second semester examination which has been on hold since the strike commenced.
Oresanya Tobiloba Fortune
Department of Creative Arts, 200-level, TASUED
I don’t see the strike as an avenue to relax academically, I go to the cyber café to surf the internet and learn. I don’t like being idle and I use that as a medium to acquire more knowledge.
Oresanya Adedayo Ayokunle
Department of Applied Geography and Physics, 300-level, Federal University of Technology (FUTA), Akure.
[Tribune]
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