NANS Gives FG and ASUU Seven Days to End Ongoing Dispute
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to resolve their lingering dispute and avert another strike that could disrupt the nation’s academic calendar.
In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, the student body expressed deep concern over the growing tension between ASUU and the government, warning that Nigerian students would not tolerate another disruption in academic activities.
Oladoja highlighted that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Administration, Nigeria’s university system had experienced two uninterrupted academic years — a milestone not achieved since the return to democracy in 1999. However, he cautioned that ASUU’s recent strike threat now threatens to derail that progress.
“NANS appeals to both ASUU and the Federal Government’s negotiation team to find a lasting solution within seven days,” Oladoja said. “Many Nigerian students studying through educational loans cannot afford another prolonged academic break or extension of their stay on campus.”
NANS Commends President Tinubu’s Education Reforms but Flags Communication Gaps
The NANS president commended President Tinubu for several education-friendly reforms, including the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, removal of tertiary institutions from IPPIS, reversal of the 40% IGR remittance policy, and increased TETFund interventions.
He, however, blamed poor communication and delayed implementation of agreements with ASUU for the renewed industrial tension.
“The ongoing ASUU strike stems from miscommunication and poor crisis management,” Oladoja lamented. “It threatens the peace and progress we’ve achieved in the education sector.”
According to NANS’ findings, a federal government meeting aimed at resolving ASUU’s grievances was boycotted by the union due to procedural misunderstandings.
“We’ve received assurances from both sides that they are ready to attend once the meeting is properly reconvened,” Oladoja said, urging the government to reopen dialogue immediately.
Students Call for Tinubu’s Personal Intervention
NANS appealed to President Tinubu to personally intervene to safeguard the stability achieved in the education sector since he took office.
“If the deadlock is not resolved within seven days, it will undermine the goodwill and progress recorded under this administration,” Oladoja warned. “Now is the time for dialogue, understanding, and decisive leadership—the future of millions of Nigerian students depends on it.”
Background: ASUU’s Demands and Strike Fallout
ASUU began a warning strike on Monday after its 14-day ultimatum to the federal government expired. The union is demanding:
- Full implementation of the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement,
- Payment of withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries,
- Revitalisation funding for public universities,
- Payment of promotion arrears and salary adjustments (25–35%), and
- Release of withheld cooperative deductions.
The renegotiation process, stalled since 2017, was last chaired by Yayale Ahmed, whose committee submitted its report in December 2024, but implementation has yet to begin.
Meanwhile, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has reportedly directed university vice-chancellors to enforce the “No Work, No Pay” policy against striking lecturers — a move that has sparked fresh outrage across campuses.
The industrial action has already halted ongoing examinations in several universities, causing anxiety among students, parents, and education stakeholders nationwide.
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