The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to resolve their disagreements and avoid actions that could lead to another strike. The plea comes amidst fears of potential disruptions to academic calendars due to ASUU’s recent threats to resume industrial action.
Speaking with FRONTPAGE, NANS National President Lucky Emonefe expressed concerns over the adverse effects prolonged strikes have on students’ education. He highlighted the eight-month strike in 2021, which left students idle and delayed their academic progress, urging both parties to prioritize the interests of students.
“Students are always the ones who suffer the most during these conflicts between the Federal Government and ASUU. Industrial actions waste valuable time that students could have spent pursuing their academic goals,” Emonefe lamented.
He called on the Federal Government to address ASUU’s demands, emphasizing the importance of the welfare of lecturers for effective knowledge transfer. “ASUU members are like fathers to us in the academic system. Their well-being directly affects their ability to educate students effectively,” he said.
Emonefe also appealed to ASUU to consider the impact of their decisions on students while expressing optimism that President Bola Tinubu would uphold his promise to maintain uninterrupted academic calendars.
In response, ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke reaffirmed the union’s stance and shared updates on ongoing discussions. He revealed that ASUU was awaiting a meeting with the government’s reconstituted committee, anticipated to occur in the coming week.
“We expect to meet this week, though the date has yet to be finalized. Once we receive the sub-committee’s report, the full meeting will be scheduled,” Osodeke said.
The appeal from NANS underscores the growing anxiety among students as negotiations between the Federal Government and ASUU remain unresolved.
