LAGOS State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has called on the Federal Government and the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), to go back to the negotiating table in order to sort out their differences and save the nation’s education system.
Governor Fashola, who spoke during an interview with newsmen after a Ramadan lecture organised by the Lagos State branch of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, on Sunday, enjoined the two parties to move quickly to return education in the country to its pride of place.
“It is safe to believe that the Federal Government and ASUU are committed to returning education to its pride of place, especially, when one realises that education is the major investment we can give to any nation to build human capital,” the governor said, adding that if there were disagreements between the two parties, it could only be how to get to the same goal.
“I think both parties should go back to the negotiating table to harmonise their views so that there can be useful compromises that can be achieved to start a journey to the final resolution of the difference,” governor Fashola, said, adding, “I don’t think there is any magic wand to solving all the problems today.”
According to the governor, “I believe that if there is a commitment, ASUU and the Federal Government can start a clear journey to the final resolution of their differences.”
The governor enjoined Lagosians to continue to be tolerant and understanding with more restraint in their interaction with one another, pointing out that “the things that join us as a nation are more than the things that divide us as a people.”
“Our humanity, more than anything, shows how interrelated we are,” the governor said, pointing out that “we are first humans before being Christians and Muslims.”
