Politics Minister of Education 'Wike' Defends Patience Jonathan Over Criticisms on Honorary Degree

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Nyesom Wike, Minister of State for Education, on Sunday faulted critics of Nigeria’s first lady, Patience Jonathan over the honorary doctorate degree conferred on her by a University in South Korea.

Speaking during the inauguration of the College of Technology building in Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) named after President Goodluck Jonathan, Wike said the criticism was "not only out of place, but also bereft of common sense".

The critics had said that it was ill-timed for the first lady to receive the award, when universities in the country were shut down because of ASUU strike.

Wike said that there was nothing wrong with the action of the first lady as long as it was the university that decided to extend such rewarding gesture to her. He said that the award was in recognition of the first lady’s humanitarian services and in particular, her efforts in fighting cybercrimes.

"One will not necessarily bother himself because most of these critics do not understand how government operates".
"The mere fact that ASUU is not on campus, does not mean all activities of government will be grounded".
"It does not also mean that other staff of the universities are not working. They are working; the only thing is that academic activities are not taking place.
"So, if other institutions all over the world want to honour the first lady for her contribution to mankind, I do not see anything wrong with that. That ASUU is on strike does not mean all universities are on strike. University of Illorin is a public university but they are not on strike"."There are also other private universities in this country. So, to me such criticism is completely out of place; it does not make any sense,’’ he said.

Wike also appealed to the ASUU members to shift ground on their demands, just like the way government had done in order to end the four months strike.

"We agree; ASUU is making some demands that would have improved on what we have in the universities.But, government is saying that in as much as we agree with you, these problems that had been there for over 20 years cannot be solved within two to three years".

"It is not possible and should appreciate what government has done. Mind you, the fund that government is releasing has nothing to do with the TETFUND fund. So, if you put all together, you will find out that government is now spending at least N200 billion to N300 billion every year, apart from the normal federal budget".

"So, people should appreciate this; let nobody begin to play politics with it,’’ he said.

Wike further debunked a media report that ASUU had rejected the new offer by the Federal Government on the union demand.(NAN)
 
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