THE ELITES OF BENUE STATE AND THE TASK TO END THE STRIKE IN BSU

BY ONOJA BENEDICT PAUL (A PUBLIC AFFAIRS ANALYST AND CRITIC)

Benue State is a state in the Middle Belt of Nigeria which of no doubt
has produced many elites; those have served in different capacities at
the state, national and international levels. Those elites cut across
different areas of human endeavours that have made it through
education. They undoubtedly know the impacts of university education
on social and economic development of the Benue people.

It is therefore imperative to say that it is high time for such elites
to set aside political differences to condemn the inability of the
Benue State Governor and BSU staff to end the ligering strike in the
state university and to mediate between this two parties to bring an
end to the lingering strike.

It is no longer news that the Benue State University academic and
non-academic staff has embarked on indefinite strike over 42 days.
This strike has paralyzed the academic activities in the university.

THE CAUSES OF THIS STRIKE INCLUDE:
1. Absence of pension scheme upon retirement from service to the university.
2. Non payment of outstanding earn allowances since 2009.
3. Absence of health insurance scheme.
4. Heavy tax burdens.
5. Delay in payment of monthly salaries.

I therefore challenge the well meaning indigenes and elites of Benue
to intervene in these matters to end the strike and save the
university education from total clollapse.