NANS issues a seven-day ultimatum to FG and ASUU to resolve disputes and avert a looming strike, urging President Tinubu’s urgent intervention in the crisis.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a stern seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to resolve their lingering disagreements and avert another strike that could paralyze academic activities across the country.
In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, the students’ body expressed deep concern over the rising tension between the government and ASUU, warning that Nigerian students would no longer tolerate any disruption to the academic calendar.
Oladoja commended the Bola Tinubu-led administration for maintaining two consecutive years of uninterrupted academic sessions — a milestone he described as “unprecedented since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.” However, he lamented that the latest threat of industrial action by ASUU was putting this progress at risk.
“It is, therefore, 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 days,” Oladoja stated.
“Nigerian students, many of whom are studying through educational loans, cannot afford to have their academic calendar disrupted or their time on campus extended again.”
The NANS president applauded recent education reforms under President Tinubu, citing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, removal of tertiary staff unions from IPPIS, reversal of the 40% IGR remittance policy, and special TETFund interventions as proof of the government’s renewed commitment to education and student welfare.
Despite these strides, Oladoja said delays and poor communication in implementing agreements with ASUU had created unnecessary friction.
“The recent threat of industrial action by ASUU has become a source of concern to Nigerian students nationwide,” he said. “It is regrettable that despite huge progress recorded, this tension—caused by miscommunication and poor crisis management—now threatens the peace and progress of the education sector.”
Oladoja disclosed that NANS’ independent findings revealed a recent meeting called by the federal government to address ASUU’s grievances failed to hold effectively due to procedural disagreements between both parties.
“We have secured assurances from both sides that they are ready to attend the meeting once it is properly reconvened. NANS, therefore, calls on the government to immediately reconvene the meeting to close this communication gap,” he added.
Calling for decisive leadership, Oladoja urged President Tinubu to personally intervene in the matter to safeguard the achievements recorded under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We strongly emphasise the need for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to personally intervene at this crucial time to prevent the gains achieved in the education sector from being eroded by another strike,” he said.
“Nigerian students remain grateful and supportive of President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to education and student welfare. However, if this impasse is not resolved within seven days, it risks undermining the progress and goodwill recorded under this administration.”
Oladoja concluded with a call for dialogue and cooperation, stressing that the fate of millions of students hangs in the balance.
“Now is the time for dialogue, understanding, and decisive action — the future of millions of Nigerian students depends on it,” he said.
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