The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened to embark on an indefinite strike over the failure of the Federal Government to honour the 2009 agreement reached with it.

Prof. Timothy Namo, the Bauchi Zonal Coordinator of the union said this during a news conference on Friday in Jos.

Namo said that the union after its National Executive Council (NEC) held between Aug. 17 and Aug. 18, issued a 21-day ultimatum.

”As we speak, the government has not honour any of the agreements or addressed our concerns.

”At the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum, we again issued another 14-day ultimatum that commenced from Sept. 23.

”So, we want Nigerians to blame the federal government if ASUU decides to down tools and shut down public universities,” he said.

Namo highlighted the lingering issues, nonconclusion of the re-negotiation of the 2009 agreement, non-release of the three-and-half month salaries of academic staff, unpaid salaries of all academic staff on adjunct appointment, and outstanding third-party deductions.

Other lingering issues he said were poor funding for the revitalisation of public universities, non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) as captured in the 2023 budget, proliferation of universities, and nonimplementation of the reports of visitation panels to universities, among others.

When kids struggle academically, getting poor grades, parents often blame teachers, assuming they’re not doing enough. As a parent, it’s natural to feel concerned and frustrated when your child struggles academically.

However, blaming teachers for poor grades oversimplifies the complex learning dynamics and ignores the various factors contributing to a student’s academic performance.

It’s time to shift the narrative and explore the reasons behind poor academic performance.

1. The home environment
   Indeed, the home environment plays a significant role in shaping a student’s academic success.

Parents’ involvement, resources, and expectations can either support or hinder their child’s motivation and academic performance.

For example, a quiet and dedicated study space can foster focus, while regular family discussions about current events can encourage critical thinking.

Parents can help their children develop a love for learning by creating a supportive home environment.

2. Students must take ownership of their learning

For a student to take ownership of their learning, the child must develop self-discipline, time management, and study skills.

While teachers can provide guidance, students must be accountable for their academic success.

This includes setting goals, prioritising tasks, and seeking help when needed.

By encouraging student accountability, parents can help their children develop study skills.

3. Mental health, bullying and social pressures

Parents or guardians should understand that mental health, bullying and social pressures can significantly impact academic performance.

Students struggling with anxiety, depression, or social issues may find it challenging to focus in class or complete homework.

Parents, teachers, and counsellors must work together to address these socio-emotional factors, providing support and resources to help students thrive.

4. Structural issues

Here, things like funding differences, outdated curricula, and inadequate resources can affect academic outcomes.

These systemic inequities can disadvantage students, making it more challenging for them to succeed.

By acknowledging and addressing these broader issues, parents and educators can work towards creating a more equitable education system.

5. Teachers are not the sole determinants of academic success

Also, by recognising these five reasons, parents can engage in constructive dialogue with teachers, address underlying issues, and empower their children to thrive academically.

Parents also play a crucial role in advocating for their child’s needs, whether it’s additional support for a learning disability or addressing socio-emotional issues.

Let’s work together to create a supportive learning environment that fosters academic excellence and sets students up for success.

The Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) in Enugu has suspended its ongoing examinations over the death of a student on its campus.

A female student of Peaceland College identified as Chiamaka Ozoigbondu died on Monday after an accident occurred at IMT.

Two other students, who were injured in the accident, were rushed to the hospital where they are receiving medical care.

Campus sources attributed the accident to post-examination euphoria and celebrations among the students.

Emeka Ejim, IMT’s acting rector, spoke to journalists in Enugu about the incident on Wednesday.

He said the institute sympathises with the bereaved family and extends condolences.

He said an emergency joint meeting of the IMT management and academic board was held and the school resolved that all outstanding examinations be suspended.

“A three-day mourning period, from Oct. 2 to Oct. 3, be observed by staff and students against a recurrence of such a sad incident,” he said,” he said.

Ejim said the IMT management will collaborate with security agencies and the bereaved family to ensure that justice is done.

He said all forms of celebration on campus after examinations are hereby banned.

The acting registrar stated that students found celebrating within the institute would face expulsion.

“Students, who wish to celebrate after their exams, can do so outside the IMT premises,” he added.

Ejim said a speed limit of 20 km per hour will be enforced for all vehicles within the campus.

He said any driver found violating the rule shall be arrested and handed over to law enforcement agents.

“Law enforcement officers should not escort students into IMT for any reason. Their presence makes it impossible for IMT security men to control these students,” he said.