Tuesday 8 October 2013

ASUU UPDATE :Union’s demands unrealistic – MUAA

The Madonna University Alumni
Association, MUAA has condemned the
ongoing strike by the Academic staff Union
of Universities, ASUU, saying that its
demand of close to 3 trillion naira was
unrealistic.
The Association body made this known
through its President, Mr Chima Achu who
spoke with DailyPost during a press briefing
on the Magazine launch and MUAA Award
ceremony which has been scheduled to
hold on October 12, at the Ladi Kwali Hall,
Sheraton Hotel Abuja.
Speaking on the ongoing strike of the
Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU,
the Association President said, the issue of
decay in the educational system is
something that has happened
systematically over a period of time. He
said it was a known fact that budgetary
allocation to education in the last 25 years
has been quite less than the standard set
by the United Nations, hence ‘’ you don’t
expect this current administration to mop
up those lapses just instantly. It will take
time to get this done, as it requires
systematic approach.’’
He also stressed on the need to declare an
emergency in the educational sector in
order to bail it out of the lapses of several
years. He however appealed to ASUU to
sheathe its sword and reopen the nation’s
universities. ‘’It’s imperative to note that
dialogue remains the better option; hence
they should go back to classes, while
dialogue continues. Asking the Federal
Government to cough out almost 3 trillion
naira as a last option is a wild goose chase
and totally unrealistic. The amount is
equivalent to a nation’s total budget and
not realistic at all’’ He said.
Debunking the erroneous belief that
Madonna University is expensive, and not
affordable, Achu said, ‘’ I must tell you that
Madonna University remains the cheapest
of Nigerian Private Universities. Madonna
University’s fee is not even up to half a
million. If compared to other Universities
fees that remain above one million naira
per session, it is crystal clear that the
school is very considerate even with the
quality of education it delivers. You need to
pay to get quality. Madonna University is
the best private University in Nigeria and to
have its fees below half a million is
commendable. You don’t expect the school
to hire Professors both within and outside
Nigeria, and they won’t take care of them.’’
Speaking on the school’s stringent
disciplinary actions against Madonna
University students which most of the
students appear not to be comfortable
with, the President said that the school
governing council had provided basic rules,
which he said were not stringent enough
compared to other universities, therefore
any student who signs under those rules
and accepts to study in the school must
continue to obey the rules. He said ‘’during
admission, you are meant to go through
the school’s rules and sign that you will
abide by them. There were no such rules
when we were in the University in those
days, but because the school was a little
liberal, students abused the opportunity,
and different cult groups emerged. In order
to keep the good image of the school, and
as a Catholic school, it had to put in place
some basic rules which I believe is working.
Now, all students are meant to live on
camp, and if you are to leave the school
any time, you must state the reason why
you are leaving. We have military men and
mobile police everywhere in the school just
to ensure that the University’s rules are
kept.’’
On quality of graduates, the
Association President said
Madonna University has received
commendations from different
organizations for producing the best hands
into the Nigerian job markets, citing
examples to include the CEO of African
Achiever Award whom he said was a
product of Madonna University. He said
Zenith bank has equally sent a
commendation letter to the school for their
products. ‘’ Definitely, Madonna University
is one of the best Universities in Nigeria’’
Meanwhile, speaking on the second edition
of the Madonna University Alumni
Association, MUAA’s awards ceremony
which has been scheduled to hold in Abuja,
the President said the event is tagged,
“MUAA Awards 2013/MUAA Magazine
Launch” and slated for October 12, at the
Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotel Abuja. He
said the 2013 edition is the first of its kind
since the inception of the Association.
He disclosed further that some members of
the Association who have contributed
towards its growth as well as other
outstanding members who deserve
commendation in various fields of
endeavours will be honoured at the event.
Others to be honoured are members of the
public who have also contributed
remarkably to the growth of the nation’s
economy, irrespective of their fields.
Mr Achu further disclosed that the award
will be based on an initial criteria set by
the Association to evaluate performances of
the awardees, adding that the awards will
be based on merit, as the Association will
not allow any form of inducement as it’s
the case in most awards in Africa.
The President had further divulged that the
maiden edition of the Association’s
magazine, MUAA Magazine, shall be
officially unveiled and launched during the
event. He said that coming up with a
maiden edition of MAUU Magazine was a
tremendous achievement and a dream
accomplished by the executives and other
members of the Association.
He said, “The magazine will celebrate
excellence, hard-work and successes of our
members. It will also showcase efforts by
the National Executive Committee and
various chapters in advancing the course of
the vibrant Association. People can say it’s
an ordinary magazine, but it is something
we have been working hard to achieve. For
years, we have tried to get this done. This is
because it is one masterpiece that will unite
the activities of our members globally.
‘’With over 23,000 members worldwide and
with our Headquarters in London, United
Kingdom, we have so much to celebrate.’’
He added.
According to the President, event’s Red
Carpet will open by 3pm, while the main
event shall follow suit.
Prominent Nigerians who will be honoured
at the event include; former Governor of
Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezife who
will be receiving a life time achievement
award; former Attorney General and
Minister of Justice, Chief Akin Olujimi will be
receiving a Public Service Award, DG of
Institute of Leadership Training, Mr.
Afowori will be honoured as well.

No comments:

Post a Comment