A section of university students has thrown its weight behind the ongoing lecturers’ strike, arguing that unresolved grievances among academic staff could ultimately affect the quality of education they receive.
The students said lecturers who work under frustrating conditions may struggle to deliver effectively, with the consequences eventually being felt in lecture halls and during examinations.
According to the students, addressing the concerns raised by lecturers is not only about improving their welfare but also about safeguarding the quality of learning and protecting students from disruptions to the academic calendar.
“A frustrated lecturer will always produce Fs and missing marks,” one student said, capturing the concerns among students over the possible impact of prolonged disputes between lecturers and their employers.
The students argued that lecturers play a central role in teaching, assessment, supervision of research and mentorship, making their welfare an important component of the university education system.
Students fear delayed results and disrupted learning
They said failure to resolve the issues raised by academic staff could result in reduced morale, delayed marking and release of examination results, as well as disruptions to lectures and other academic activities.
Some students expressed concern that prolonged strikes could also interfere with academic calendars, potentially affecting graduation dates and students’ progression.
The students, however, called for dialogue between the government, universities and lecturers’ representatives to find a lasting solution to the dispute.
They said the interests of students should remain central in negotiations, warning that prolonged industrial action could have far-reaching consequences for thousands of learners across the country.
The strike comes amid continued calls by university lecturers for the authorities to address their grievances, including implementation of agreements relating to their pay and working conditions.
The students said while they want to resume normal learning, they also recognise that lecturers need a conducive working environment to effectively perform their duties.
They urged the parties involved to return to the negotiating table and reach an agreement that would allow lecturers to resume teaching while ensuring their concerns are adequately addressed.
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For the students, resolving the dispute is therefore not merely a matter of ending the strike but ensuring that universities remain environments where both lecturers and learners can effectively pursue academic excellence.
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