The National Association of University Students (NAUS) Edo State Campus Monitoring Committee’s (CMC) visit to executive members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Benin chapter, is to dialogue and chart means to uplift students’ welfare.
The delegation led by NAUS Chairman, Comrade Osahon Destiny Eseosa, was received by the ASUU Chairman, Dr. Ray Chikogu and other executive members.
Interfacing with the academic thinkers, Comrade Osahon expressed deep appreciation for ASUU’s dedication towards enhancing the intellectual capacity of university students, and commended them for its disciplined and selfless commitment to the betterment of the university community by uplifting its academic standard.
He highlighted critical issues that necessitated the visit, pointing out the deteriorating relationship between students and lecturers, stemming from instances of victimization, sexual harassment, and extortion, which has created a climate of fear that deters students from seeking academic assistance thereby fostering a disconnect between students and their lecturers.
He emphasized the need for a revitalized “mentor-mentee” relationship within the university, and harped on the fact that in the past, lecturers mentored students in leadership, unionism, politics, and business enterprise. This mentorship, he said, included practical experiences such as accompanying lecturers to seminars and programmes, and appealed for the reactivation of these mentorship practices.
Addressing the topical issue of the affordability and accessibility of learning materials, Osahon advocated for reasonably priced educational resources and greater access to modern libraries. He affirmed that while NAUS is not against the sale of materials, it nonetheless insisted that prices must be reasonable and pocket friendly for students
He urged ASUU to involve students in research grants, noting that involving students in research activities would provide them with valuable experience in researching, writing, and applying for grants, a process that will help students to achieve better academic excellence.
For enhanced student-lecturer relationships, Osahon recommended an increased student involvement in ASUU social activities, such as partaking in students’ debate competitions, to foster a more inclusive academic environment and collaboratively engaging university environment.
Nevertheless, he sued for the provision of scholarships to indigent students and job opportunities for recent graduates.
The ASUU Chairman, Dr. Ray Chikogu acknowledged raised concerns by NAUS, while he reiterated the union’s stance against sexual harassment, victimization, and extortion. He emphasized that ASUU has a disciplinary committee to address such issues.
Dr. Chikogu discussed challenges faced by lecturers due to inadequate government funding that limits their capacity to provide extensive mentorship, noting that lecturers have been receiving the same salary for many years, and this financial strain hampers their ability to offer additional benefits to students.
On the issue of affordability and accessibility of learning materials, Dr. Chikogu mentioned that significant efforts have been made.
He assured that efforts are being made with certain departments with already compiled textbooks to cover specific courses, making them more affordable and accessible for students.
Regarding scholarships, Dr. Chikogu stated that the national body recently gave out scholarships to indigent students, two from each university across the federation, to the tune of N200,000 each. However, ASUU of the University of Benin gave out scholarships to six extra students. He said members are working towards awarding these students with a minimum of N100,000 each.
Addressing social activities and employment, Dr. Chikogu assured that ASUU is committed to improving on these areas. He said the union will continue to encourage and support social activities, competitions, and initiatives that promote student engagement and development. He also emphasized ASUU’s efforts to assist recent graduates at finding job opportunities within and outside the campus, a desire which will be escalated to management.
Against the backdrop of a prevailing need to communicate more to achieve results in non violent means on Nigerian campuses, It must be noted that this students-lecturers engagement marks a positive step towards addressing concerns of the university community, therefore, fostering a collaborative environment for students and lecturers. The dialogue between NAUS and ASUU underscores a shared commitment to improve on educational experiences which ensures a supportive academic atmosphere for all.