Prolonged ASUU strike a ticking time bomb, says Sanwo-Olu’s wife

Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of Lagos governor, has called for an end to the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

She spoke at a special Eid-El-Fitr celebration held at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja on Wednesday.

ASUU had on February 14 declared a one-month warning strike to protest the non-implementation of its demands by the federal government.

But on March 14, the union extended the industrial action by eight weeks, citing the government’s failure to fully address its demands.

Reacting to the lingering strike, the Lagos first lady said having students who should be in school at home doing nothing is a ticking time bomb.

Ibijoke also called on relevant stakeholders to dissipate more efforts toward ending the industrial action.

“Our children need to go back to school. It is a ticking time bomb when our children sit at home doing nothing. The devil will find work for the idle hands,” she said.

“Our children, those in the universities, sitting down at home for two months is not a plus for us and so anytime we have the opportunity, we as parents, especially mothers, should continue speaking up.

“The federal universities are shut down as a result of the ASUU strike. We plead and plead that God will help us to resolve this issue. I don’t feel comfortable that the students are at home and whatever it takes, all hands must be on deck to ensure that they go back to school.”

Ibijoke called on youths to avoid indulging in immoral activities. She also urged parents to pay closer attention to issues affecting their children.

“As we bask in the euphoria of this sacred celebration, it is also important to seize the opportunity of this spiritual exercise to admonish our children and youths to shun all ungodly, immoral, and bestial acts,” she added.

“As parents and guardians too, we must lead by example and pay closer attention to the totality of what concerns our children and wards. It is okay to intrude into their privacy and ensure that we guide them on the right path.”