NANS to FG, ASUU: Settle Dispute Within Seven Days or Risk Student Revolt

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 ongoing conflict and prevent another strike that could cripple academic activities across the country.

In a statement signed on Wednesday by its President, Olushola Oladoja, the students’ body expressed deep concern over the renewed tension between the two parties, warning that any disruption to the academic calendar would be unacceptable.

Oladoja noted that under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration, Nigeria’s education sector had experienced two uninterrupted academic years — an achievement not recorded since the return to democracy in 1999. However, he lamented that ASUU’s recent strike threat was putting this progress at risk.

“NANS appeals to both ASUU and the Federal Government to find a lasting and workable solution within the next seven days. Many students, now studying through educational loans, cannot afford another disruption or extension of their academic calendar,” Oladoja said.

The NANS President commended President Tinubu’s education reforms, citing initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, the removal of tertiary staff unions from IPPIS, the reversal of the 40% IGR remittance policy, and targeted TETFund interventions as evidence of the administration’s commitment to education and student welfare.

Despite these strides, he said delays in implementing agreements with ASUU and poor communication had created unnecessary tension. “It is regrettable that despite the progress recorded, this crisis — caused by miscommunication and slow implementation of past resolutions — is threatening the peace and stability of our education sector,” Oladoja added.

According to him, NANS’ independent findings revealed that a recent government meeting to address ASUU’s grievances was boycotted by the union due to procedural issues. He said both sides had since expressed willingness to return to the table once the meeting was properly reconvened.

Oladoja therefore urged the government to immediately recall the meeting to bridge the communication gap and appealed to President Tinubu to personally intervene to safeguard the gains achieved in the sector.

“We urge President Tinubu to personally intervene to prevent the hard-earned stability in education from being undermined by another strike. The future of millions of Nigerian students depends on prompt dialogue and decisive action,” he stressed.

ASUU had on Monday embarked on a warning strike following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum given to the Federal Government to meet its longstanding demands.

The lecturers are demanding the implementation of the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, payment of withheld salaries and arrears, revitalisation of public universities, and sustainable funding for tertiary institutions.

Other demands include the payment of 25–35% salary increases, promotion arrears spanning over four years, and the release of withheld cooperative deductions.

Although the latest renegotiation committee, chaired by Yayale Ahmed, submitted its report in December 2024, implementation has yet to commence.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has reportedly directed university vice-chancellors to enforce the government’s “No Work, No Pay” policy — a move that has sparked outrage among university workers.

The ongoing strike has already disrupted examinations in several universities nationwide, leaving students and parents anxious over further delays in the academic calendar.