NANS Seeks Peace Talks to Avert ASUU Strike at Abdullahi Fodio University

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has appealed to all parties involved in the industrial dispute at Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero (AFUSTA) to embrace dialogue following ASUU’s threat to embark on strike.

The appeal follows a two-week ultimatum issued by the university’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU-AFUSTA) over unresolved welfare issues.

In a statement signed by its National Vice President (External Affairs), Sadiq Zango, NANS said it was concerned that a strike would disrupt academic activities and negatively impact students.

The association maintained that lecturers’ welfare remains essential to delivering quality education and acknowledged the legitimacy of the issues raised by ASUU.

According to NANS, the union’s demands include the payment of outstanding remuneration, earned academic allowances, salary adjustments, annual salary increments, promotion exercises and other welfare-related commitments.

The student body said it had already initiated discussions with the ASUU-AFUSTA leadership, university management and relevant Kebbi State Government officials in an effort to resolve the dispute through dialogue.

“NANS firmly believes that industrial harmony within our universities can only be sustained where communication remains open, agreements are respected, and genuine commitment exists on all sides to place the long-term interest of education above every other consideration,” the statement said.

NANS urged the Kebbi State Government, the university authorities and ASUU to pursue an amicable resolution before any industrial action is declared.

The association cautioned that a strike would affect lectures, examinations, research, graduation timelines, accreditation exercises and the overall academic calendar of the institution.

Although it acknowledged the right of labour unions to embark on industrial action, NANS stressed that every effort should be made to prevent disruptions that could further affect students and Nigeria’s higher education sector.

It also offered to facilitate a stakeholders’ meeting involving the state government, university management, Governing Council, ASUU and other relevant parties to help restore industrial peace.

“Our appeal is simple and sincere: let dialogue prevail over confrontation; let collaboration triumph over conflict; and let the future of our students remain the overriding priority,” the association stated.

NANS expressed optimism that ongoing engagements would lead to a peaceful resolution of the dispute and ensure uninterrupted academic activities at the university.

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