ENOUGH WARNING?
By Osarennoma Ogbeide
“It is a one week warning strike we heard! It will be over before you know it!”, this is something I told myself. It began with locked offices, and then advanced to little or no vehicular movement, fewer classes than usual, cancellation of tests (hearts lifted by this news). Power supply became a rationed commodity; we had to observe well enough to understand their system, Water became a prized possession, no one was sharing their charger anymore. It was every man for himself.
It is unfortunate how we have to suffer for the shortcomings of the government. This one week warning strike by NASU should have served its purpose, although many think one week is not enough for them to “loud” it enough to compel the government to meet their demands.
I happened to go outside school during the week. The main gates were locked, the streets were flooded with people, cars littered the road and NASU officials pumped and ready to deal with any erring staff that violated the rules of the strike. Loud music was playing, people were rejoicing and I was just amazed, my mouth agape.
On my way back into school, I had to blink twice to understand what was happening: the pedestrian gate was locked! The number of people waiting at the gate was rapidly increasing and I was lost in the crowd. As puzzled as I was, I started thinking how I would explain to my parents that I was locked outside school. Low key, I was gauging how I could either jump the fence or gather everyone to push the gate down; I wasn’t ready to sleep outside.
Soon after, we heard arguments from the inside and the pedestrian gate suddenly opened. For fear of it being shut again, it is safe to say there was a stampede. I was pushed back and forth oh. ‘’I will not be left behind in Jesus name’’ was my prayer as I fought through the crowd and found myself on the other side. A fight was swiftly brewing up amongst the officials so I scampered, protecting myself from any unwarranted blow. That was not a day I wanted to exhibit my wrestling skills.
I came to school for a 4 year course but ASUU,SSANU,NASU with their incessant strike actions make it (4 + X) years, confidently making accommodation for unforeseen circumstances. I believe it is time for the government to sit up. If it is their pay they want, give them. If it is fulfilment of contracts made, keep to the terms.
Even though students rejoice at the strikes here and there because of the free time, it is still to our detriment. This strike and previous ones are enough warning! We do not need any more!
“It is a one week warning strike we heard! It will be over before you know it!”, this is something I told myself. It began with locked offices, and then advanced to little or no vehicular movement, fewer classes than usual, cancellation of tests (hearts lifted by this news). Power supply became a rationed commodity; we had to observe well enough to understand their system, Water became a prized possession, no one was sharing their charger anymore. It was every man for himself.
It is unfortunate how we have to suffer for the shortcomings of the government. This one week warning strike by NASU should have served its purpose, although many think one week is not enough for them to “loud” it enough to compel the government to meet their demands.
I happened to go outside school during the week. The main gates were locked, the streets were flooded with people, cars littered the road and NASU officials pumped and ready to deal with any erring staff that violated the rules of the strike. Loud music was playing, people were rejoicing and I was just amazed, my mouth agape.
On my way back into school, I had to blink twice to understand what was happening: the pedestrian gate was locked! The number of people waiting at the gate was rapidly increasing and I was lost in the crowd. As puzzled as I was, I started thinking how I would explain to my parents that I was locked outside school. Low key, I was gauging how I could either jump the fence or gather everyone to push the gate down; I wasn’t ready to sleep outside.
Soon after, we heard arguments from the inside and the pedestrian gate suddenly opened. For fear of it being shut again, it is safe to say there was a stampede. I was pushed back and forth oh. ‘’I will not be left behind in Jesus name’’ was my prayer as I fought through the crowd and found myself on the other side. A fight was swiftly brewing up amongst the officials so I scampered, protecting myself from any unwarranted blow. That was not a day I wanted to exhibit my wrestling skills.
I came to school for a 4 year course but ASUU,SSANU,NASU with their incessant strike actions make it (4 + X) years, confidently making accommodation for unforeseen circumstances. I believe it is time for the government to sit up. If it is their pay they want, give them. If it is fulfilment of contracts made, keep to the terms.
Even though students rejoice at the strikes here and there because of the free time, it is still to our detriment. This strike and previous ones are enough warning! We do not need any more!
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