Students holding a rally in support of the ASUU strike.

One hundred days after members of the  Academic Staff Union of Universities embarked on a nationwide strike, the end is not in sight yet, CHARLES ABAH writes

In countries like South Korea, the first 100 days of a child is very symbolic. Within this period, the life of the child and that of his parents are often celebrated. In keeping with the tradition of the people, prayers and various types of gifts are offered to the gods during parties organised to mark the event. This is accompanied with much feasting in the child’s home. The purpose of such ritual is to increase the newborn baby’s chances of becoming successful on earth.

Globally, it is also common among political appointees or government officials to celebrate their first 100 days in office. For instance, President Barack Obama of the United States celebrated his first 100 days in office with pomp and ceremony. The period in the US serves as a benchmark to measure the early success (or otherwise) of  president.

In Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan and many state governors also celebrated their first 100 days in office. Of course, the celebrations took place with much fanfare. Advertorials were placed in the newspapers and parties were held in government houses to mark the achievements of the political office-holders during their first 100 days in office.

Unfortunately, there are no celebrations today as Nigerians mark the symbolic first 100 days that lecturers in the country’s public universities embarked on industrial action.

The lecturers, who commenced the strike on July 1, are protesting the non-implementation of an agreement they signed with the Federal Government in 2009, as well as the non-payment of their earned allowances.

Many people are compelled to ask what the country, particularly the education sector, has achieved in the first 100 days of the ASUU strike. Since the strike is still in progress, analysts conclude that nothing significant has been achieved. In their thinking, several dialogues and meetings targeted at resolving the crisis have failed to yield positive results. Therefore, there is really no cause for celebration.

-punch

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