
Nigerian Students Give 7-Day Ultimatum to Stop Looming ASUU Strike
ABUJA — 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), demanding they resolve their dispute and prevent another strike from crippling academic activities across the country.
The warning comes as tensions escalate between the university lecturers' union and the government, raising fears of another prolonged industrial action that could leave millions of students stranded.
A Familiar Crisis
Nigerian students have endured repeated ASUU strikes over the years, with some lasting months or nearly a year. These disruptions stem from unresolved issues including unpaid salaries, poor university funding, inadequate infrastructure, and the government's alleged failure to honor previous agreements.
The cycle of strikes has repeatedly derailed academic calendars, postponed graduations, and left students frustrated with a system that fails to prioritize their education.
Students Say Enough
NANS's seven-day deadline reflects mounting frustration among students who refuse to be caught in another standoff between ASUU and the government. The ultimatum pressures both parties to engage in meaningful dialogue and reach a lasting solution.
"Nigerian students have suffered enough," student leaders have emphasized, warning that another strike would cause psychological stress, financial strain on families, and further damage to Nigeria's struggling education sector.
What's at Stake
Should negotiations fail and another strike begin, the consequences would extend beyond delayed graduations. The country's education system would suffer additional reputational damage, potentially triggering widespread student protests and deepening the crisis.
As the countdown begins, the question remains: Will this ultimatum finally compel stakeholders to break the cycle of recurring strikes and deliver the stable, quality education Nigerian students deserve?
The coming week will tell.