In an interview with Saturday PUNCH, NANS National President Lucky Emonefe expressed his concerns about the potential disruption to students' education due to ASUU's threat to cease operations.
Emonefe called for both parties to come to an agreement and prevent any industrial action similar to the one in 2021, which resulted in students being out of school for over eight months.
He stressed that students are often the primary victims in conflicts between the Federal Government and ASUU.
He noted that strikes cause students to lose precious time that could have been spent on their studies.
“We are appealing to the Federal Government to maintain ongoing dialogue with ASUU. The members of ASUU serve as mentors to us in academia. Their welfare is essential to us. If they receive adequate support, they will be in a better position to educate students,” he remarked.
He recognized that while President Bola Tinubu has repeatedly assured that academic years will proceed as scheduled, ASUU must also consider the interests of students in their decision-making.
Emonefe’s plea underscores the growing concern among students regarding the possibility of a strike by ASUU.
On the other hand, ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke, in a discussion with our correspondent, confirmed that the union remains resolute in its position.
Osodeke indicated that a meeting between the newly established government committee and ASUU is expected to take place this week.
He added, “We are anticipating the meeting this week, although a specific date has not yet been set. Once we receive the report from the sub-committee, we will finalize the date for the comprehensive meeting.”