The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the Kebbi State government, alongside the leadership of Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology (AFUSTA), to prioritize negotiations to prevent an impending industrial dispute. The call comes after the local branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) issued a 14-day ultimatum, citing unaddressed grievances regarding staff welfare.
Sadiq Zango, the National Vice President for External Affairs at NANS, stated that halting academic operations would be detrimental to the student body and the university’s schedule. The union’s grievances include delayed salary adjustments, unpaid earned allowances, promotion backlogs, and other essential welfare commitments. NANS characterized these concerns as valid and emphasized that they should be resolved through professional engagement rather than labor unrest.
Currently, the NANS national office is actively mediating between the university administration, the Kebbi State government, and the union representatives. The organization highlighted that while it respects the right of staff to organize, industrial action should be a last resort. NANS aims to coordinate a high-level meeting among all stakeholders to secure a resolution that protects the academic calendar and ensures institutional stability in Aliero.
