ASUU Strike: NANS Gives Federal Government, Lecturers 7 Days to Resolve Dispute

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has given the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) a seven-day ultimatum to resolve their ongoing dispute or face nationwide student protests.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, NANS President Comrade Olushola Oladoja expressed concern that the renewed face-off between ASUU and the government could disrupt the country’s academic calendar and reverse the progress made under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Administration.

Oladoja noted that Nigerian universities had enjoyed two uninterrupted academic years, a feat he said must not be jeopardised by another strike.

“Nigerian students, many of whom are studying through educational loans, cannot afford further disruption to their studies. We urge both parties to find a lasting solution within seven days,” he said.

The NANS president commended Tinubu’s education reforms — including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, removal of tertiary unions from IPPIS, and the reversal of the 40% IGR remittance policy — but blamed poor communication and delays in implementing agreements for the current tension.

He revealed that a recent meeting convened to address ASUU’s grievances failed to hold due to procedural issues and called on the government to immediately reconvene talks.

“We appeal to President Tinubu to personally intervene to prevent another strike and protect the stability achieved in the education sector,” Oladoja added.

ASUU had on Monday begun a warning strike after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum to the government over unpaid salaries, unimplemented agreements, and funding shortfalls in public universities.