Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has called on the Federal Government and the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to go back to the negotiating table in order to sort out their differences and save the nation’s education system.
Governor Fashola, who spoke during an interview with newsmen after a Ramadan lecture organised by the Lagos State branch of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, enjoined the two parties to resolve the crisis quickly in order to return education in the country to its pride of place.
“It is safe to believe that the Federal Government and ASUU are committed to returning education to its pride of place, because education is the major investment any nation can use to build human capital,” the governor said, adding that if there is any disagreement between the two parties, it should only be on how to reach the same goal.
Fashola stated: “I think both parties should go back to the negotiating table to harmonise their views. I believe that if there is a strong commitment, ASUU and the Federal Government can start a clear journey to the final resolution of their differences.”
The governor also enjoined Lagosians to continue to be tolerant and understanding in their interactions with one another, pointing out that the things that join us as a nation are more than the things that divide us as people of particular tribes or religious groups.
“Our humanity, more than anything, shows how interrelated we are,” the governor said, noting that we are first humans before being Christians and Muslims.
Governor Fashola declared, “let us study ourselves to understand that we are more the same than we are different. The emphasis on our differences are emphasis of convenience. At times, they are emphasis that we do not need.”
He reiterated, “ when you look at how cross culturally we have married ourselves over the years, you will realise that we are not different. You may discover that you have, probably, married a Muslim from a family that has deep Christian roots,” adding that there can be no clear division among Nigerians any more.
Congratulating the Muslim brothers and sisters in the state for living to witness yet another Ramadan, Governor Fashola prayed that all the rewards and blessings that accompany fasting in this Holy month shall be theirs.
In his lecture titled Path to Paradise, Alhaji Sheikh Abdul Rahman Ahmad said the path to paradise is not just one route, many people will make heaven based on the good works they have done while others will make it because of the quality of justice they have been able to deliver in their lifetime.
According to him, the shortest way to make hell is through leadership position. He said being in position of authority makes one to be easily unjust to fellow human beings.
In his goodwill message at the occasion, the National President of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Alhaji Bisiriyu Onisarutu, admonished the Federal Government to heed to the request of ASUU, as the strike is having a negative impact on the lives of Nigerian youths.
He noted that most of the students now roam the streets, exposing most of them to the life of crime and other social ills to the detriment of the society at large.
Ahaji Afeez Timehin also advised members of the group to imbibe the teachings of the lectures delivered during the Ramadan and put them into use in their day-to-day activities.
Commenting on the lecture delivered, Alhaji Timehin said there is no other way to paradise than doing good at all times and leading by example, adding, “we should be steadfast in what we believe and we must also direct our children to tread the path.”
Also present at the lecture were the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji; Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Alhaji Tunde Balogun; National/International President of Ansar-Ud-Deen, Alhaji Bisiriyu Onisarotu among other eminent dignitaries.
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