The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has set a seven-day deadline for the federal government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to settle their ongoing dispute to avoid another extended closure of universities in the country.
In a statement released on Wednesday by its President, Olushola Oladoja, NANS expressed worries that the renewed conflict between the government and university lecturers could disrupt the academic calendar once more, emphasizing that Nigerian students will not tolerate another strike.
Oladoja noted that during President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the education sector had experienced two uninterrupted academic sessions, an unusual occurrence since 1999.
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However, he warned that the impending strike threatens to reverse this progress.
“NANS urges both ASUU and the federal government’s negotiation team to find a viable and lasting solution within the next seven days,” he stated.
“Nigerian students, many of whom are relying on educational loans, cannot afford further disruptions to their academic calendar or extended time on campus.”
He praised the Tinubu administration for its reforms aimed at enhancing the education sector, including the creation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, the removal of tertiary staff unions from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), and special interventions via TETFund.
However, he expressed concern that delays in fulfilling agreements with ASUU and lapses in communication have reignited tensions.
“It is unfortunate that despite significant progress, this strike, stemming from miscommunication and inadequate crisis management in implementing previous agreements with ASUU, is creating unnecessary tension that threatens the stability and advancement of the education sector,” he remarked.
Oladoja revealed that NANS’ investigation found that a recent meeting called by the federal government to address ASUU’s grievances was not attended by the union due to procedural issues.
He mentioned that the student body had received assurances from both parties that they were willing to resume discussions once the meeting was properly reconvened.
“We urge the government to promptly reconvene the meeting to bridge this communication gap,” he said.
The NANS president also called for Tinubu’s personal involvement, warning that ongoing inaction could undermine the stability achieved in the education sector.
“Now is the time for dialogue, understanding, and decisive action, the future of millions of Nigerian students depends on it,” he added.
ASUU began a warning strike on Monday after a 14-day ultimatum to the government expired.
The union’s demands include the implementation of the renegotiated 2009 agreement.
