The National Association of Nigerian Students has given the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities a seven-day deadline to resolve their ongoing dispute and avert another disruption to the nation’s academic calendar.
In a statement released on Wednesday, NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, expressed concern over the rising tension between both parties, warning that students would not tolerate another academic shutdown.
“It is in the interest of all stakeholders that a lasting solution is found within the next seven days. Nigerian students, many of whom now rely on educational loans, cannot endure another prolonged strike or extension of their academic stay on campus,” Oladoja said.
He noted that under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration, the education sector had witnessed two consecutive academic years without industrial action — a record not achieved since 1999.
However, he warned that the looming ASUU strike could erode this progress, describing it as “a result of miscommunication and poor crisis management.”
Oladoja praised some of the Tinubu administration’s education reforms, including the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, exemption of tertiary institutions from the IPPIS payroll system, reversal of the 40% IGR remittance policy, and special interventions by TETFund.
“These initiatives have shown the President’s commitment to improving education and student welfare. Yet, delays in implementing agreements with ASUU and inadequate communication have generated unnecessary tension,” he added.
The NANS president disclosed that findings by the association revealed that a government meeting aimed at addressing ASUU’s grievances had been boycotted by the union due to procedural issues.
“Both parties have assured us of their readiness to return to the table once the meeting is properly reconvened. We urge the Federal Government to act swiftly to bridge the communication gap,” Oladoja stated.
He also appealed to President Tinubu to personally intervene, cautioning that continued inaction could reverse the stability achieved in the education sector.
“Now is the time for dialogue, understanding, and decisive action. The future of millions of Nigerian students depends on how swiftly this matter is resolved,” Oladoja warned.
ASUU had earlier embarked on a warning strike following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet its long-standing demands. The lecturers are seeking the implementation of the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, payment of withheld salaries, revitalisation funds for public universities, and resolution of promotion and cooperative deduction arrears.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has reportedly directed vice-chancellors to enforce the “No Work, No Pay” policy against lecturers participating in the strike — a move that has further deepened discontent among university staff.
The industrial action has already halted examinations in several universities nationwide, leaving thousands of students and parents anxious over another potential academic setback.
