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 or face a nationwide protest by students.
In a statement released on Tuesday, NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, expressed deep frustration over the recurrent crises in the education sector, particularly the threat of another strike by university lecturers. He said Nigerian students would not tolerate another disruption to the academic calendar.
Emonefe noted that while ASUU has legitimate concerns about welfare and funding for public universities, prolonged industrial actions only worsen the plight of students who are often the ultimate victims.
We are giving both ASUU and the Federal Government seven days to reach a meaningful resolution. If after this period there is no progress, Nigerian students will take to the streets in protest across the country,” the statement read in part.
He urged the Federal Government to honor existing agreements and ensure adequate funding for tertiary education, while also appealing to ASUU to explore dialogue rather than resorting to strike actions.
The NANS president further accused government officials of neglecting public education while sending their children abroad, describing it as an act of insensitivity.
Education is not a privilege; it is a right. We will no longer watch while our future is jeopardized due to government negligence and endless negotiations,” Emonefe added.
Meanwhile, ASUU has maintained that its demands, which include improved welfare for lecturers, revitalization funds for public universities, and respect for collective bargaining agreements, remain unresolved despite several meetings with government representatives.
Observers say the next few days will determine whether a truce can be reached to avert another major disruption in Nigeria’s higher education system.
