Government's Focus on Skit Ban and Anthem Change Draws Criticism Amidst University Financial Dispute
ASUU members have criticized the government's focus on cultural regulations at a time when crucial sectors like health and education continue to face significant challenges.
Zita Ezechi 
Recent statements by the Federal Government, emphasizing the need for all skits and music videos to obtain classification from the National Films and Videos Censors Board (NFVCB) before release, have sparked widespread backlash and accusations of misplaced priorities, particularly in light of ongoing financial disputes with universities in the country.
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The controversy has escalated against a backdrop of demands from Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) chapters at the University of Ibadan and Ladoke Akintola University of Technology for the return of deducted union funds from their salaries during a recent strike action. ASUU members have criticized the government's focus on cultural regulations at a time when crucial sectors like health and education continue to face significant challenges.
"The government are busy banning skit, Pomo and bringing back old anthem, when there are challenging issues facing society," read a statement circulated widely on social media, encapsulating the frustration felt by many Nigerians.
"Key sectors like health, education are not supposed to go on strike at all, or coming out carry placards for welfare and salaries, they are supposed to be properly taking care of."
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The remarks refer to recent measures including the prohibition of unclassified skits and music videos, and the reintroduction of the old national anthem in some public schools, which have drawn criticism for their timing and perceived lack of urgency in addressing critical societal issues.
