The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has directed the immediate call-off of its planned protest over the prolonged Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, strike at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, IBBUL.
NANS National President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, gave the directive after being briefed by the NANS Zonal Coordinator that a meeting convened by the Niger State Government with ASUU leadership over the strike ended successfully.
According to him, the ASUU leadership expressed satisfaction with the agreement reached with the university management and has resolved to hold a congress on Wednesday to deliberate on and formally suspend the industrial action.
Afeez commended the Niger State Government under Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for its intervention and commitment to resolving the crisis, noting that the government's willingness to engage both parties contributed significantly to the progress recorded.
He also appreciated Nigerian students, student leaders and stakeholders who stood with the association throughout the struggle.
The NANS President stated that no university should remain on ASUU strike across the country, stressing that NANS will not compromise on its position that students deserve uninterrupted access to education.
He disclosed that the IBBUL development is part of recent progress recorded in resolving lingering strike actions, noting that the association had successfully resolved the Ondo State-owned universities' ASUU strike and secured a progressive update in Benue State, where all parties have reached an agreement and the strike is expected to be called off soon.
He therefore directed the Zonal Coordinator to suspend the planned protest, while mandating him to visit the university on Wednesday to monitor developments and ensure the agreed process is implemented accordingly.
However, the NANS President expressed disappointment over the stance of the outgoing Students' Union Government, SUG, President of IBBUL, who he said failed to show strong advocacy for students during the difficult period but issued a statement asking students not to participate in the NANS-organised protest.
"NANS National does not require anyone's approval to stand up for students when their education and welfare are at stake," he said.
He urged all IBBUL students to remain calm and await official communication on the outcome of the ASUU congress.
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