NANS, PFN Warn ASUU Strike Could Disrupt Academic Stability

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed deep concern over the looming threat of industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), warning that such a move could undermine the hard-earned stability recently achieved in Nigeria’s university system.

The student body noted that the past two years of uninterrupted academic activity represent a “remarkable milestone” in the nation’s educational history one that should not be jeopardized by miscommunication or delayed implementation of agreements between the union and the Federal Government.

In a statement signed by NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, the association described the current standoff between ASUU and the government as a “preventable crisis” caused by poor communication and weak conflict resolution efforts.

According to NANS, both parties had previously demonstrated commitment to resolving outstanding issues. However, a government-organised meeting meant to address lingering concerns reportedly did not hold as planned, following ASUU’s withdrawal over procedural irregularities.

Meanwhile, the National Vice President (South West) of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and Presiding Bishop of Victory International Church, Bishop Taiwo Adelakun, has cautioned that the ongoing impasse could spiral into a national crisis if not urgently resolved.

Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the 36th anniversary celebration of Rehoboth Cathedral, themed “The Glory of the Latter House,” Adelakun decried the chronic underfunding of Nigeria’s universities, describing it as a “ticking time bomb.”

“A nation that refuses to educate its youth is inviting disaster,” he warned. “It is shameful that while education suffers, billions are spent on irrelevancies. If those in government would reduce their own extravagant spending, they might then credibly claim there is no money. But as long as leaders live in luxury, no one will believe such excuses. The ASUU crisis will only keep recurring.”

Adelakun, who also serves as Chancellor of Dominion University, Ibadan, urged the government and ASUU to act swiftly and sincerely to prevent further disruption of the nation’s academic progress.