As Nigeria celebrated its 53rd Independence anniversary in October, the continued closure of the public universities attracts criticism from students who spoke with JAYNE AUGOYE and TEMITAYO FAMUTIMI

These are trying times –Ogunjobi

These are trying times for the nation, I must confess. Nigeria has not faced greater threats and total paralysis in major sectors than this period in its history. The nation’s   journey in the past 53 years was a chequered one replete with many gains and losses in its social, political and economic advancement. Nonetheless, as a Nigerian student trapped in this crisis, the Independence Day should offer the present administration the opportunity to correct the anomalies in the education al system and other key sectors in the economy.?•Oluwafemi Ogunjobi, 400 level Language Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Why celebrate mediocrity? –Irabor

Our educational   system is in a shambles. We call Nigeria the giant of Africa but countries like South Africa, Benin are getting it right and making many of us to seek further education there. With the state of our education and the high unemployment rate, rolling out the drums to celebrate Independence will be tantamount to magnifying mediocrity.?•Peter Irabor, Post-graduate student, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife Osun State.

Our political class has failed us –Oladimeji

After 53 years of independence, our educational system is nothing to write home about. The most painful thing is that our political leaders appear not to be bordered about the sorry state of the sector, which should be the bedrock of the nation’s developmental effort.?All they care about, is the 2015 general elections. It is also sad that the government reneged on an agreement it signed with ASUU, a development that has forced the shutting of the public universities in the last three months. The political class has failed the future leaders of this country and there is nothing to celebrate about the anniversary.?•Ayotunde Oladimeji, 300 level Accounting Technology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State.

Don’t forget, education is the bedrock –Arthur

That Nigeria is celebrating its 53rd Independence is a good thing. But if you ask me, I see no reason why the celebration should go on, especially as students are idle at home and the country faces problems of insecurity and lack of power supply, among others. The FG should please meet the ASUU’s demands so that we can all go back to the classrooms. With what is happening, it seems that the country’s leadership has forgotten that education is the bedrock of every nation and that an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.?•Neji Arthur 400 level, Education Administration and Planning, University of Calabar

Let us not cause more damage –Usen

As Nigeria celebrates Independence, the education sector has not made any significant progress. It shows the government’s nonchalant attitude to this all-important sector. I wish that its conflict with ASUU could be resolved soonest before the sector experiences worse damage.?•Tom Usen, 400 level Geology, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State.

Blame ruling class and ASUU –Oghenovo

I wonder why we celebrate independence when the state of infrastructure, standard of living and education in the country is nothing to cheer. But for education, both ASUU members and our political rulers will be nowhere. So why are they depriving the younger generation from having better education now. I pray that the ASUU strike will be resolved soon.?•Joy Oghenevo, 400 level, Banking and Finance, University of Benin

Everyone has a hand in the rot –Alex-Ojekunle

After 53years, the education system is in an abysmal state. Rather than pointing fingers at the Federal Government and its agencies, I will rather say that we are all involved in the epileptic state of the sector. To revitalise the sector, all hands must be on the desk. Although we expect much from the government, our individual contributions will go a long way in helping the government to map out a strategy that will promote and enhance effective education that can stand the test of time and compete globally. Also, this will go a long way in showcasing the strength of Vision 2020:20.?•Oluwaremilekun Alex-Ojekunle, 400 level Public Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

No good governance, no good nation — Adefalujo?With regard to the anniversary, there is nothing to celebrate. The schools are deserted, lecturers are at home and students are roaming about the streets. There is also insecurity everywhere as issues of bombings and killings have not been resolved. So, what exactly are we celebrating when the events and happenings in the country at the moment do not speak well of good governance or even a great nation? It is sad; Aderonke Adefalujo, 400 level, Theatre Arts, University of Abuja

These are frustrating times –Loon

This period has been difficult and tough for me because there is nothing to do at home. There are no opportunities out there and this is sad and frustrating. There are no jobs for University graduates not to mention an undergraduate like me. I just wake up, eat, sleep and allow evil thoughts to come to my mind. For me, there is nothing to celebrate, especially now that the singsong everywhere is industrial action. The nation has failed in many ways and celebrating the anniversary is just a mockery of the word ‘independence’.?•Momoh Loon 400 level History, University of Abuja