The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has spoken out against the Academic Staff Union of Universities’ participation in the ongoing workers’ strike.
The Nigeria Labour Congress launched an indefinite strike across the nation on Monday in response to a recent assault on its national president, Mr. Joe Ajaero, in Imo State.
However, a statement signed by Mr. Babatunde Akinteye, Vice President External Affairs, NANS, and made available to Chronicle NG also decried the decision of the NLC and Trade Union Congress to go on strike, calling it depressing.
“We, at the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) National Headquarters, express our profound resentment and disappointment at the recent decision of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress to embark on a nationwide strike,” it said.
NANS claimed that ASUU’s involvement would endanger the university system calendar, which had already witnessed several strike actions.
The statement read, “Furthermore, the decision of the ASUU to join the strike is particularly disheartening.
“The academic calendar has already been severely impacted, and the addition of another strike further jeopardises the educational sector, which is already grappling with numerous challenges.
“It is disheartening to witness the leadership of these unions prioritising strikes over constructive dialogue. Moreover, the fact that ASUU, representing university staff, has already joined the strike raises concerns about the broader impact on the educational sector.”
“This strike not only disrupts the normalcy of citizens but also sets a dangerous precedent for conflict resolution. We urge the NLC/TUC leadership to reconsider their stance and engage in more constructive avenues to address their concerns without causing undue harm to the general populace.
“It is with a heavy heart that we, as the apex student body in the country, address the irrationality, disregard for the court of law, and apparently misplaced priority demonstrated in this action.”
