Varsity students urge FG, ASUU to avert looming strike

The National Association of University Students (NAUS) has called on the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to urgently address the looming threat of another strike, citing the devastating consequences on students’ academic, psychological, and emotional well-being.

Comrade Meshach Anthony Nwakwo, NAUS National Deputy President, in a statement emphasizing the need for constructive engagement and meaningful dialogue to prevent the strike.

“The impending ASUU strike will have far-reaching consequences on over 30 million Nigerian students,” Nwakwo warned. “We cannot afford to relive the nightmare of the 2022 strike, which saw increased crime rates, unplanned pregnancies, forced marriages, and recruitment into criminal activities.”

Nwakwo acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s student-friendly stance and commitment to education, highlighted by initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the distribution of CNG buses for transportation.

He, however, stressed that more needs to be done to address the root causes of the strikes, including poor remuneration, lack of university autonomy, and inadequate funding.

“The Federal Government must invest more in education, as it is tantamount to investing in Nigeria’s future,” Nwakwo urged. “We implore ASUU to reopen channels of dialogue with the government, and for both parties to make meaningful concessions to avert this impending disruption.”

NAUS has pledged to engage productively with the Federal Government and ASUU leadership to prevent another debilitating strike.

The association has also called on the government to prioritize education in the national budget, allocating a minimum of 15% of the budget to the education sector.

Furthermore, NAUS emphasized the need for improved infrastructure and facilities in universities, including libraries, laboratories, and lecture halls.

“The quality of education in Nigeria is directly linked to the quality of infrastructure and facilities in our universities,” Nwakwo noted.

NAUS has urged students across the country to remain calm and focused on their studies, assuring them that the association is working tirelessly to prevent the strike.

Nwakwo emphasized the importance of collective action in resolving the crisis.

“We must work together to ensure that our education system is protected and preserved for future generations,” he said.