The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has
warned university teachers against embarking on another strike without prior
notice.
NANS also tasked
the federal government to channel the money it claimed to have recovered from
those who looted the country’s treasury to the education sector, saying such
measures would reposition the deteriorating state of the nation’s education. This
was contained in a statement released by NANS President, Chinonso Obasi,
yesterday in Abuja. Obasi said the decision was a fallout of the association’s
just concluded emergency Senate meeting, held at the Kwara State College of
Education, Ilorin.
“The meeting which
was summoned to deliberate on the ongoing strike declared by ASUU ended
successfully with an overwhelming attendance of student union Presidents and
NANS stakeholders throughout the country. “NANS mandated its leaders to reach
out to the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the enormous
challenges facing Nigerian students,” the statement said. It added: “As
critical stakeholders in the education sector, it is imperative that ASUU
consults NANS. Anytime ASUU wants to embark on strike, it is proper for them to
consult student leaders led by NANS. ASUU should also apply other means of
negotiation so that the strike will not have a direct negative impact on the
students.
“ASUU has been
striking to use students as their bargaining power. The interest of students
must be considered and prioritized at all times. Part of the resolution was
that an appeal should be made to the Federal Government to channel the loots
recovered from anti-graft agencies to the education sector.” It further
added:”The Senate also passed a vote of confidence on its President for his
style of leadership that has regained the lost voice of Nigerian students both
at home and in the diaspora. “It was also resolved that the National President
of NANS should continue to constructively engage with the stakeholders
comprising ASUU and the Federal Government to resolve the strike and find a
lasting solution to the enormous challenges facing Nigerian students.
“The meeting also
called on the Federal Government to prioritise the education sector in Nigeria
and push for the recommendation by the United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organisation that 26 per cent of the nation’s annual budget should
be for funding the education sector and secure a better and sustainable
educational standard. “NANS however
refused to shut down the country on account of government’s inability to
resolve the ongoing strike, within 21 days, citing the prevailing economic
downturn in the country.”
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