The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a stern warning to state governors, urging them to resolve conflicts regarding the 2025 agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to avoid further academic strikes. NANS emphasized that students should not be victims of the ongoing disputes between the union and state administrations.
The current tension stems from ASUU authorizing 20 university branches to issue 14-day ultimatums due to unfulfilled portions of the 2025 deal. This situation has already triggered industrial action at Nasarawa State University in Keffi, sparking concerns about widespread academic disruptions. NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, stated that while staff have a right to demand the fulfillment of agreements, the union should seek methods that do not compromise the stability of student education.
NANS placed the responsibility squarely on state governors, noting that those who permit avoidable shutdowns despite increased state funding are failing their duties. The association labeled such leadership as insensitive and irresponsible. They called for immediate dialogue and the settlement of outstanding obligations to prevent the closure of institutions. While the students’ body urged ASUU to explore alternatives to industrial action, it vowed to resist any administrative failure that results in closing classrooms.
