The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to suspend its ongoing nationwide strike action, which was triggered by the delayed payment of June 2025 salaries. NANS stressed that any form of industrial action at this time would disrupt the relative academic stability that Nigerian public universities have experienced over the past two years.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and signed by Akinbodunse Sileola Felicia, NANS National Vice President for Inter-Campus and Gender Affairs, the student body expressed concern that students will once again bear the brunt of the disagreement between the academic union and the Federal Government. Akinbodunse pleaded with ASUU to adopt a more diplomatic approach to resolving the dispute, rather than withdrawing services across campuses.
The strike directive, issued earlier this week by ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC), instructs all branches nationwide to halt academic activities if lecturers’ salaries are not paid within three days of a new month. ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, confirmed on Monday that the policy was now in effect, with universities such as the University of Jos and the University of Abuja already observing the directive.
Prof. Piwuna explained that the action was rooted in NEC’s long-standing resolution on the “No Pay, No Work” policy. He further criticized the government’s continued delay in salary disbursements, blaming it on inefficiencies in the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), which replaced the former IPPIS system. He described the situation as unsustainable and demoralizing for academic staff.
In contrast, NANS Vice President Akinbodunse emphasized that Nigerian students are growing weary of constant disruptions to their academic progress. “Our students are the ones who suffer the most when ASUU goes on strike. Many are already struggling to graduate within a reasonable timeframe, and further disruptions could be devastating,” she said.
Akinbodunse acknowledged that ASUU’s grievances are legitimate but advised that continued dialogue with relevant government agencies would yield more lasting and student-friendly solutions. “ASUU should exhaust every available avenue for negotiation before resorting to strike. Dialogue remains the most productive path forward,” she insisted.
She noted that since the advent of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the nation’s tertiary education system has witnessed fewer disruptions compared to previous years. This, she said, has allowed students to maintain a steady academic calendar, a feat that should not be jeopardized lightly.
Akinbodunse further appealed to the leadership of ASUU to consider the economic hardship faced by parents and guardians, many of whom are already struggling to meet the financial demands of higher education. “Students cannot afford the cost of elongated school sessions caused by strikes. We urge ASUU to show empathy and find alternative means to address their grievances,” she said.
In the same vein, she called on the Federal Government to be more responsive in handling matters related to the welfare of university lecturers. She argued that prompt payment of salaries would not only prevent future strikes but also foster a more motivated and committed academic workforce. “The solution to this recurring issue lies in consistency and accountability,” Akinbodunse added.
NANS reaffirmed its role as a critical stakeholder in the education sector and reiterated its commitment to protecting the interests of Nigerian students nationwide. The association pledged to initiate meetings with both ASUU and the Federal Ministry of Education to encourage a peaceful and swift resolution of the impasse.
