NANS GIVES FG, ASUU SEVEN-DAY ULTIMATUM TO END DISPUTE OR FACE STUDENTS’ BACKLASH

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to resolve their ongoing face-off and avert another nationwide strike that could disrupt the country’s academic calendar.

In a statement signed by NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, on Wednesday, the students’ body expressed deep concern over the escalating tension between both parties. Oladoja warned that any disruption to the academic calendar would be “totally unacceptable” to Nigerian students.

He noted that the education sector had experienced two uninterrupted academic years under the administration of Bola Tinubu — a feat not recorded since 1999. However, the looming ASUU strike, he said, now threatens to reverse these gains.

“It is in this spirit that NANS appeals to both ASUU and the Federal Government’s negotiation team to find a workable and lasting solution within the next seven (7) days. Nigerian students, many of whom are now studying through educational loans, cannot afford to have their academic calendar disrupted or their duration on campus extended again,” Oladoja said.

Oladoja commended the Tinubu administration for reforms in the education sector, citing initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, removal of tertiary unions from IPPIS, reversal of the 40% IGR remittance policy, and special TETFund interventions.

Despite these efforts, he lamented that poor communication and delays in implementing agreements with ASUU had created unnecessary tension.

NANS’ independent findings, Oladoja revealed, showed that a government meeting to address ASUU’s grievances was not attended by the union due to procedural issues. He urged the government to reconvene the meeting immediately to close the communication gap.

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The students’ leader also called on President Tinubu to personally intervene, warning that failure to act swiftly could undermine the goodwill and stability achieved in the sector.

“Nigerian students remain grateful and supportive of President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to education and student welfare. However, if this impasse is not resolved and the strike persists beyond seven days, it risks undermining the progress and goodwill recorded under this administration,” he warned.

ASUU had on Monday commenced a warning strike following the expiration of its 14-day ultimatum to the federal government. The union’s demands include the implementation of the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, payment of withheld salaries and arrears, revitalisation of public universities, and sustainable funding for tertiary education.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has reportedly directed university vice-chancellors to enforce the government’s “No Work, No Pay” policy, a move that has further heightened tensions among university workers.

The strike has already disrupted examinations in several universities, leaving students and parents anxious about the fate of the academic calendar.