Get Guardian on GoogleThe gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State, Usman Shehu Bawa, has urged the Uba Sani-led administration to prioritize education.
Besides, the advice followed the lingering face- off between the academic staff union of the Kaduna State University (KASU) and the Kaduna state government which has led to a 2-week warning strike.
Bawa alleged that the Governor has prioritises administrative expenditure over investments in education and the future of the younger generation in the state.
Besides, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna, however reacted to the criticisms of the government education policies, saying that the PDP leaders are not in tune with Governor Sani efforts in tackling the KASU-ASUU industrial strike.
The PDP Governorship Candidate had asserted, while addressing party supporters and journalists at the PDP party Secretariat in Kaduna that Government handling of the strike in KASU had left untold hardship on the students.
He argued that the ongoing industrial crisis at KASU was already threatening the quality, stability and sustainability of tertiary education in the state.
Bawa expressed concern that the continued disruption of academic activities could have far-reaching consequences for students, lecturers and the wider education system.
He stressed that education should be treated as a priority rather than an afterthought by any government.
The gubernatorial candidate said, the welfare of academic staff, the provision of adequate learning facilities and the creation of a stable academic environment were essential to restoring confidence in the state’s tertiary institutions.
Bawa further stressed that the situation, if not quickly addressed, could ultimately undermine Kaduna’s capacity to produce the professionals required to drive its economic and social development.
He therefore called on the state government to urgently engage the university’s academic staff and other stakeholders with a view to resolving the crisis and restoring normal academic activities at KASU.
Meanwhile, the APC Public Relations Officer (PRO) in the State, Mallam Mohammed Sani said that the PDP Governorship flag bearer in the State, Bawa “is out of tune with the reality on how Governor Uba Sani is resolving the industrial action by KASU lecturers”, saying that the Government has already put in place machinery to end the strike.
