Academic and non-academic staff members at the University of Uyo in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, have prayed to God for help in the lingering Nigerian university strike over the Federal Government’s alleged refusal to honor the renegotiated 2009 agreement and deploy the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS).
The university’s staff prayed to God to touch the heart of the Federal Government so that the strike would not merely be called off, but that strategic things would be done to improve Nigeria’s education system at a covenant service held on Tuesday at Onyema Ugochukwu Auditorium, town campus.
Speaking on the theme of the event, “understanding the times,” the guest speaker, Rev Dr. Godwin Amawo, asked God to speak to Nigerians who have domestic employees working for them or to the government not to deny the workers their salary.
He also begged for God to intercede in humanity’s issues.
Different staff members, on the other hand, took part in the prayer session, declaring, “There shall be no more industrial action in all our universities.” May the ASUU strike comes to a conclusion during this covenant service. We pray that God will lead the federal government and all responsible agencies to act correctly. May the Nigerian university faculty enjoy the fruits of their labor.
“God, you continue to indicate yourself in dreams; may you appear in their dreams, and may they not rest until the right thing is done in our institutions so that our children’s futures are secure.”
“In this covenant prayer, may You release the storm to blow off insecurity bedeviling Nigeria in Jesus’ Name,” the staff prayed in response to the country’s insecurity. Banditry reigns supreme; may you send forth your angel of war to fight for Nigeria.”
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, who described the theme of this year’s covenant service as appropriate, said that the renewal of the covenant that the University has had with God since 2002 was in recognition of what He has done for the institution and what He is about to do.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed optimism that things would improve following the service and praised all of the staff members who attended despite the University’s unions’ industrial action, which may have been a reason for them to remain home.
Mr. Aniediabasi Udofia, the Registrar, also spoke, saying that the essence of covenant renewal was to serve God faithfully in their offices, homes, and society, and to trust Him eternally.
“In light of the global times in which we find ourselves, we have heard of war, killings, banditry, and a slew of other societal vices; as Christians, what should we do in such circumstances?” We must recognize that things are not as they once were, and we must then turn to God, who has always been our refuge and aid.” Udofia explained.
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