Students of Nigerian federal universities were left in limbo as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) an the Federal Government failed –or rather, refused– to reach a common ground. The Government does not meet ASUU’s demands, and the union will not compromise. If there was no certainty on how trivial tertiary education is in the scheme of things, the recent extension should clear all doubts. The ASUU strike 2022 gets an extension by 12 weeks, and it couldn’t get any worse.
On the flip side, many students have taken the incentive to guard their future with whatever value they can get– acquiring digital skills, learning a vocation, interning, or volunteering at companies relevant to their career interests.
Recruitment specialist, Gbenga Bello, said, “The ASUU strike 2022 is another proof that education in Nigeria is dwindling. But the Gen Zs are not smiling either, and for me, that is promising”. He posited that employers should feel lucky to be faced with a generation who are taking advantage of the time and tides to focus on skill development, networking, and work experience, rather than classroom theory, like these four undergraduates, who told us what they are doing, how relevant it is to their career goals, and how they feel about the strike.
“I’m getting paid and gaining experience” –Mercy (Adekunle Ajasin University/Public Administration/300L, Customer Service Intern)
I did my ND in 2015, but spent an extra year due to the infamous ASUU strike in Nigeria, and finished in 2018. Now, here I am, stuck in another bout. As it is, I’m tired of schooling.
Shortly before the strike was declared in February, I came here for my Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) and it’s meant to end in August. Thankfully, I’m being paid, and together with the experience, I’m enjoying it. I can’t work for free; I need the money to sustain myself. Asides from that, I’m glad I’m getting this experience for the long term. Hopefully, I earn good grades and great recommendations for long-term purposes.
“The opportunity to make enjoyable products for users of all kinds through design was a major force that backed my decision to learn product design” –Victor (Obafemi Awolowo University/Computer Science with Mathematics/300L, learning Product Design)
To be honest, I don’t think the ASUU strike is affecting my long-term goals. I’m learning product design and I intend to build a tech solutions company that will not just be an employer of labor but will provide tech solutions to users, especially in regard to product design. I believe that once I’ve learned it to a stage where I can begin to intern, things can take off from there for me career-wise and financially. The goal of going to school is to be able to impact our world positively and while at it, make a good income for yourself and your family. If I can achieve that with remote jobs whilst in school via product design, then no pressure.
“I plan to build a career in a different field. The earlier I can complete this undergraduate degree, the better for me” –Diwura (Adekunle Ajasin University/Animal & Environmental Biology/400L, Media & Communication Personnel )
You heard the name of my course, right? Remove my face from it abeg. How did I even get here? I’ve always had a thing for the media, and I have mastered skills in content & copywriting, and communication. I want to be a Media and communications expert, which is why I’m taking this time to get that corporate experience at a healthcare startup.
Thankfully, my far-fetched course of study is on hold for now, so I can focus and make connections.
However, the earlier I can complete this undergraduate degree, the better for me. I still value good grades, but I need to get it done. That way, I can put out all distractions, know what phase of life I’m in, and put all my resources into fueling my ambitions. But the uncertainty of the strike makes it difficult to do so.
“I’m learning a skill and working for a tech company as payment” – Temitope (Federal University of Technology Akure(FUTA)/Computer Science, 200L, IT Intern)
I wanted to learn web development, so I had a deal with the founder of this IT firm; I learn and work for him as payment. The work I do isn’t far-fetched; tasks are assigned and I get to handle some when there is a project. I also have side projects and want to learn a foreign language, so the period is not a waste of my time. But then, I could still do all these while in school. Nonetheless, I’m taking the time to do stuff that is relevant to my career goals, and doing it independent of the Nigerian formal education system. I really want to graduate from school in time, besides that, I’m on track!
Incessant ASUU strike actions are not new to the Nigerian academic scene. Neither is the importance of work experience and skills new to employment requirements. It would be a wise decision to flip the ASUU strike narrative from a period of idleness to early career building. With internship communities like Upfolio and Side Hustle Internship, you are on your way to career acceleration.