The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Kukah, on Wednesday described as unacceptable the shutdown of Nigerian Universities for months now over the strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
Speaking on Wednesday at the signing of a peace accord ahead of the Osun State gubernatorial election, Kukah said that the situation negates the democracy Nigeria claims to be practicing.
“This is unacceptable especially as these things are happening in a democracy,” he said.
According to Kukah, it is quite sad that the strike has lasted this long particularly because democracy has always given the people a platform for negotiation, consensus and several other means for solving such issues as exist between the government and the authorities of the various universities.
The cleric said it was necessary that Nigeria understands that without the universities giving opportunities for academic energy, analysis, and theorising; it would be impossible for the nation’s democracy to grow.
He added that what is most important now is for political actors, to at this moment, take their responsibilities seriously.