The current strike embarked on by the Academic Staff Union of Universities has not only grounded academic activities in most Universities in the country, but has also left many lamenting.

In the course of the strike, some students have been sitting at home doing nothing while some others have enrolled to learn various skills during the period.

Chinyere Udechukwu, a 300 Level Literature student in the University of Benin has complained that, added to the fact that the strike has crippled her academically, it has also made her irrelevant as she is unable to get a job.

She said that most employers have refused to employ undergraduates whose institutions are on strike, because they have no definite time of employment with them – they can be called back to school at any time.

Agnes Oyilo, a student of Benue State University, also laid similar complaints as Chinyere. She said that it was not ASUU’s fault but the government’s. “It is annoying, frustrating and disgusting.”

Pius Patrick made it known that he was unlikely to go back to school if the strike is not called off soon. In a twist, he said that he was making plans to ensure that his male children become footballers.

Progress, a student of Ambrose Alli University, said that he has just been hanging out with friends, and helping his father at work. He also said that he and his friends were planning to go into business if, at the end of the year, the strike is not called off.

Ifeanyi Mbamara, a final year student of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), said that she wanted to learn beadmaking with the time.

Pelumi Olugbenga of Lagos State University said that his time has been dedicated to reading books, writing articles, and other self-development activities.

Karen Anaeme of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), wrote here final exams a few days before the strike commenced but was unable to do her cleareance. She said that she has started learning how to sew.

Owolabi Temitayo Alexander, Chairman of the Ekiti Chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), said that the strike had both negative and positive effects on a 70:30 basis. On the negative aspect, he said that there has been an increased rate of social vices, particularly cybercrime, and students are also getting academically tired. On the good side, he stated that it was an avenue for students to learn vocational skills that are key for survival.