No Strike: Internship ti Take Over
The Nigerian tech space reacted to the news of the 2017 ASUU strike in a uniquely positive and encouraging way. While there were a lot of banters on twitter like “ASUU strike is now World Cup, it happens every four four years“,” When you update ***Graduate in few weeks*** and ASUU shows you the Odunlade meme face” (You should have seen a lot, just check the thread on twitter); a lot of techpreneurs, start-up founders and industry players have announced opportunities to engage a number of students who will bear the brunt of the industrial action by ASUU.
On Monday morning, coincidentally the first day of work, ASUU decided to stop work to press home their demands. The National President of ASUU, Dr. Biodun Ogunyemi, announced that the Union had embarked on an indefinite nationwide industrial action following the failure of the Federal Government to fully implement the 2013 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement. For students, especially if you do not attend a Private University or lucky to be a student of University of Illorin and recently, Kogi State University, this means no more classes and ceasation of academic activities.
However, this is not all bad news. For example, Jobberman was born during the 2009 ASUU strike in OAU; Opeyemi Awoyemi, Olalekan Olude and Ayodeji Adewunmi during their undergraduate years at the Obafemi Awolowo University created the job website where graduates can submit their Curriculum Vitae and get information about available jobs in Nigeria.
Oluyomi Ojo, the CEO of Printivo built the foundation of his design and printing business during an extended Internship period as a result of strike.
The Art Director for FourthCanvas, Victor Fatanmi utilized the major part of the 2014 strike to build the necessary foundation for his design agency.
The list of people who have exploited the strike periods for personal development are endless… So it can be a beauty in disguise.
The strike is an opportunity to graduate your mindset before graduation. – Usman Abiola
Back to Tech, it is arguable that technology is brewing into an alternative source of inspiration for a lot of young minds in the country,especially where governance and its other systems have failed the Nigerian youths.
Every morning since the announcement of the Strike, more and more people have taken to their social media handles to announce opportunities for the teeming population of Nigerian youths who will bear the brunt.
To the seeming complaint of “If they do not take care of us, who will?”
Some organizations and institutions have answered; “We will”.
First Stop, Mark Essien(Hotels.ng) has announced an opening for Interns affected by the ASUU strike.
StartHubTech(Uyo) also has a deal for students affected by the strike.
Community Manager for IBTechMeetUp Rasheed Ridwan also shared opportunities from Tuteria.
Ridwan also adds that if you are an undergrad affected by the ASUU or LAUTECH strike and would like to intern in a web development or digital marketing position,you can kindly send your name, location, school, CV and how you will demonstrate commitment to hello@rasheedridwon.com.
Taslim Okunola (ByteMars) is currently reviewing CVs from students to connect them with Startups and other companies that may need their services. The email entry for this is even funny: ASUU@bytemars.com.
Kathleen Ndongmo even offered to teach about 5 people French for free!
A Mandela Washington Fellow, DayoNigeria also shares his view on the issue.
” Dear Nigerian Student,
The best way to express your frustration about the strike action embarked on by ASUU is by proving to yourself that learning isn’t only domiciled in school walls, learning is everywhere.
I launched out fully into what I am doing today during one of the OAU school closures in the year 2007. You have no excuse not to be productive, this is just another opportunity for you to learn the real things that you need to do well in life
Get out of your house and look for volunteering opportunities, it helps your brain develop faster than writing notes. Start something from that idea that’s been in your head for a while that being in school has been your excuse for not executing. Create time for those kids in your community that you’ve always wished you could do something for. There are just too many things you can do to ensure you have fond memories of this period…”
PlanetNest is also launching #NestLabs (A research and Development intensive session for next week).
On strike? Grab the opportunities.
