By Thankgod Inyang
Following the suspension of the about 6 months old strike by the Cross River University of Technology, CRUTECH chapter of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU after a middle ground was reached by the union and the Cross River State government, CrossRiverWatch visited the main campus of the institution (Calabar campus) to hear the views of the students as to whether they believe lectures will commence in earnest irrespective of the fact that the state government has yet to implement the new agreement that led to the strike action.
Excerpts:
Morod Gabriel, year one in the Department of Chemical Science: “I think lectures will commence since the staff accepted to suspend the strike, I actually came to begin my registration after which I believe lectures will commence”.
Okpokam Ekum, a 400 level student in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning: “To me I don’t think lectures will commence, the lecturers will not want to go back to classes with their salaries unpaid, if they do it therefore means there have nothing to show for the strike they embarked on”.
Another student who spoke in anonymity said: “I just hope the lecturers will have pity on the students and go back to classes, and wait for the state government to pay them, because I believe they will pay”.
Lillian Etim, is a 100 level student in the Department of Electrical Electronics Engineering: “Well from what I have heard I don’t think lectures will commence, though am a fresher am just here to begin my registration and wait patiently for lectures to commence”.
Chika, a 200 level student in the Department of Biochemistry: “I think they will commence lectures but not just immediately, as regards to the agreement with the state government. I believe they will be paid, with the ongoing money crises in the state they just need time to do that”.
Bassey Etim, a 200 level student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering: “I hope they will commence lectures because I already told my parents that lectures will commence immediately, I can’t afford to go home just like that I hope they will help us the students”.
Grace, second year student of Department of Mechanical Engineering: “I share the same views with Bassey, I strongly believe lectures will commence”.
Queeneth Bassey, who actually refused mentioning her department said: “I just pray they are being paid before they go back to classes, if not, am afraid the sorting the VC is trying to curb will regenerate in the minds of some of those corrupt lecturers, yes corrupt lecturers I said so”.
Jacob Ihieje, in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning who refused mentioning his year maintained: “I really doubt the possibilities of the lecturers commencing lectures without payment of their salaries, its’ really impossible but we wait to see what happens”.
Isaiah, a 200 level student in the Department of Computer Science said: “I don’t think lectures will commence, but from the information we got I think am back to school, I will wait and see what happens next”.