Ogun State Students Urge Federal Government to Prevent ASUU Strike and Enhance Education Support

The National Association of University Students (NAUS), Ogun State chapter, has called on the Federal Government to urgently convene a stakeholders’ meeting to address the imminent industrial action threatened by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

In a statement issued on Tuesday, NAUS expressed grave concerns about the potential disruption of the academic calendar and the negative impact on students’ academic pursuits and overall lives. The group highlighted the severe consequences of another strike, stressing that ongoing disruptions could extend the duration of their courses and impede their future prospects.

Emmanuel Akinjetan, the state chairman of NAUS, emphasized the critical need for dialogue and compromise. “As another ASUU strike looms, we beg the Federal Government to prioritize dialogue to prevent a crisis in the nation’s education sector. The impacts of these strikes are devastating, causing delays in academic progress and frustration among students,” Akinjetan said.

The association also appealed to Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, to increase financial support for higher institutions within the state. While acknowledging the governor’s previous contributions, NAUS urged for further investment to ensure the quality and accessibility of tertiary education. Additionally, the students requested that Governor Abiodun donate another bus to a federal university in Ogun State to complement his earlier support to two other institutions.

“The seamless transportation of students is vital for their educational access. We urge the governor to consider the needs of the remaining federal institution,” Akinjetan added.

NAUS reiterated its commitment to advocating for students' rights and welfare and pledged to continue engaging with relevant authorities to address the challenges facing higher education in Ogun State.

Earlier this month, ASUU issued a 21-day notice to the Federal Government, threatening a nationwide strike over unresolved issues from previous agreements. The Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, had previously invited the union to a meeting to discuss these issues in an effort to avert the strike.

The students’ call for immediate action underscores the urgency of resolving these disputes to prevent further disruption to their education and to uphold the integrity of the nation's higher education system.