NANS urges Tinubu’s intervention as ASUU-Govt rift deepens
By Obasola Olatunde
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has raised alarm over the brewing tension between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government, warning that the progress achieved under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration could be reversed if immediate action is not taken.
In a statement signed by Comrade Olushola Oladoja, NANS President, the association commended the Tinubu administration for what it termed “unprecedented progress” in sustaining two full academic sessions without disruption the first since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
However, After two uninterrupted academic years a rare feat in Nigeria’s recent education history the calm within the nation’s universities may be on the verge of collapse.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to personally intervene to avert what it described as a potential reversal of the stability achieved in the nation’s tertiary institutions.
According to the students’ body, the feat was made possible by a series of “bold, student centered reforms” implemented under the Renewed Hope agenda, including the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), removal of tertiary institutions from the IPPIS payment platform, and reversal of the 40% IGR remittance policy to grant universities greater autonomy.
Other notable interventions, NANS said, include increased TETFund allocations for infrastructure and security improvements on campuses, and the introduction of free technical and vocational education with monthly stipends for trainees.
“These policies have restored hope to Nigerian students and improved the image of our universities.
“However, the current dispute between ASUU and government poses a serious threat to these gains if not urgently resolved,”the statement said.
Meanwhile, sources within ASUU maintain that the union’s recent warning was not to disrupt the system but to demand full implementation of previously signed agreements, some of which date back several years.
Union representatives reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with what they termed “slow and inconsistent execution” of the terms agreed upon with government, including welfare, earned allowances, and funding for revitalization of public universities.
An ASUU member who spoke anonymously said, “We have been patient enough. The issue is not about starting another strike, but about ensuring that government honours its promises to avoid future disruptions.”
In its statement, NANS noted that its independent findings revealed “miscommunication and poor coordination” between both parties as the root cause of the renewed tension. The association claimed that a scheduled follow up meeting to address grey areas was not attended by ASUU due to disagreements over the meeting’s convening procedure.
Comrade Oladoja said NANS has since reached out to both the Ministry of Education and ASUU, and secured their assurances to attend a properly reconvened session.
He said: “We urge the concerned authorities to immediately reconvene the meeting to settle all pending matters.
“Students who are now benefiting from the education loan scheme cannot afford another disruption to their studies.”
The students’ body further urged President Tinubu to personally intervene within seven days to ensure a lasting resolution.
NANS maintained that the President’s involvement would reinforce his administration’s commitment to education and prevent the recurrence of industrial actions that have historically crippled the academic calendar.
“Nigerian students remain grateful to President Tinubu for the reforms so far, but we also appeal for decisive leadership at this critical time to safeguard the progress recorded,” Oladoja stated,