The Nigerian Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly criticized the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for its involvement in the ongoing nationwide workers’ strike, declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Monday. The strike was initiated in response to the recent assault on NLC’s National President, Mr. Joe Ajaero, in Imo State.

In a statement released by Mr. Babatunde Akinteye, the Vice President External Affairs of NANS, and made available to The PUNCH, the association expressed deep disappointment in both the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for embarking on the nationwide strike, describing it as disheartening.

The association raised concerns about the potential impact of ASUU’s participation on the university system calendar, which has already been marred by various strike actions. The statement emphasized the detrimental effects on the academic calendar and the educational sector, which is already grappling with numerous challenges.

The NANS statement underscored the disheartening nature of ASUU’s decision to join the strike, highlighting the broader implications for the educational sector. It criticized the prioritization of strikes over constructive dialogue, especially given the fragile state of the academic calendar.

Expressing concern about the disruption caused by the strike and its potential dangerous precedent for conflict resolution, NANS urged the leadership of NLC and TUC to reconsider their stance. The association called for a shift towards more constructive avenues to address concerns without causing undue harm to the general populace.

The statement concluded with a plea from the apex student body, urging a reevaluation of the “irrationality, disregard for the court of law, and apparently misplaced priority” demonstrated in the actions of the NLC and TUC leadership.