NANS Issues Seven-Day Ultimatum to ASUU and Federal Government to End Prolonged Dispute

In a bold and decisive move, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to both the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government to resolve their lingering disagreement or risk a nationwide students’ action. The warning, which came after an emergency meeting of the student body, has sent ripples across the education sector, as fears of another disruption to academic activities grip the nation’s universities.

According to a statement released by the NANS President, Lucky Emonefe, the association expressed deep frustration over the continuous back-and-forth between ASUU and the Federal Government, which has often resulted in prolonged strikes that have crippled Nigeria’s university system. He noted that students have been at the receiving end of these disputes, losing valuable academic time while the two parties trade blame. “Nigerian students have had enough of being victims of endless negotiations that never yield results,” the statement read. “We are giving both ASUU and the Federal Government seven days to resolve whatever issues they have or face a massive protest that will shut down the entire country.”

This development comes amid renewed tensions over unpaid allowances, poor funding of universities, and the implementation of various agreements previously reached between ASUU and the government. Reports suggest that recent discussions between the two parties have hit another deadlock, prompting fears of a fresh strike action that could once again paralyze academic activities across public universities. NANS, in its ultimatum, accused both parties of insensitivity, stating that their constant disputes have made the Nigerian educational system a shadow of what it used to be.

The student body also stated that it was prepared to take its protest beyond social media and peaceful rallies, warning that it would occupy strategic locations such as the Federal Secretariat, airports, and key highways if the government and ASUU fail to reach an agreement within the given time frame. “We will not sit back and watch our future being destroyed by endless disagreements. Education is a right, not a privilege, and we will defend it with everything we have,” Emonefe declared.

The statement further revealed that the association has already mobilized its members nationwide in preparation for a coordinated demonstration should the seven-day deadline elapse without a resolution. NANS leadership said consultations have been ongoing with students’ union governments (SUGs) across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education to ensure maximum participation. “We are united in this cause,” Emonefe emphasized. “This is not a fight against ASUU or the government but a fight for our future.”

Reactions have since begun to trail the ultimatum, with many Nigerians expressing mixed feelings. While some commended NANS for standing up for students’ rights, others questioned whether the move would yield any meaningful results, given the history of unfulfilled promises and recurring disagreements between ASUU and the government. On social media, the hashtag #EndEducationCrisis began trending as students and concerned citizens voiced their frustrations over the continuous instability in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

A student of the University of Lagos, who identified herself as Ruth, lamented that her academic calendar has become unpredictable. “We’re always scared that any moment there could be another strike,” she said. “Many of us are tired. We just want to graduate and move on with our lives, but these constant disputes have made it almost impossible.” Another student from the University of Benin expressed similar concerns, saying, “If NANS can truly stand its ground this time, maybe the government and ASUU will finally take students seriously.”

Meanwhile, sources within ASUU have maintained that the union’s demands are justified, insisting that the government has failed to implement several agreements reached over the years, particularly regarding better working conditions, improved funding for universities, and payment of outstanding salaries. An ASUU member, who spoke under anonymity, accused the government of neglecting the education sector while diverting attention to politics and infrastructure. “We are fighting for the future of the Nigerian university system,” he said. “It’s unfortunate that students are caught in the middle, but our struggle is for them as well.”

On the government’s side, officials of the Federal Ministry of Education have expressed optimism that the issues will soon be resolved. A senior official, who preferred not to be named, said that discussions are ongoing to address ASUU’s concerns, but added that the government must also operate within available resources. “The Federal Government is not against ASUU, but we must be realistic about what the nation can afford at this time. The dialogue is continuing, and we believe there will be progress before the ultimatum expires,” he said.

Observers note that the latest ultimatum from NANS could serve as a crucial turning point in the long-running ASUU-Federal Government saga. For years, the two parties have clashed over funding, welfare, and policy disagreements, leading to recurrent strikes that have disrupted academic calendars and forced students to spend extra years in school. The situation has also contributed to the decline in the global ranking of Nigerian universities and pushed many students to seek education abroad.

Political analysts have also weighed in, saying the government must handle the situation with caution to avoid widespread unrest. Dr. Tunde Bakare, a public affairs analyst, remarked that “NANS has the numbers and the influence to make a strong statement. If their threat materializes into a nationwide protest, it could have serious implications for national stability, especially in a tense economic climate like this.” He urged the government to act swiftly and engage in genuine dialogue with ASUU to prevent further escalation.

As the countdown begins, the atmosphere within university campuses remains tense. Students are watching closely, hoping that both sides will heed NANS’ warning and finally put an end to the recurring cycle of strikes and failed promises. For many, this feels like a last chance to restore confidence in Nigeria’s public education system.

NANS has reiterated that it will not back down from its position, stressing that it represents the collective voice of millions of Nigerian students who have endured hardship, uncertainty, and emotional distress due to the prolonged disputes. “We are giving peace a chance for seven days,” Emonefe said firmly. “After that, if nothing changes, the streets will speak louder than words.”

As the seven-day clock ticks, Nigerians wait anxiously to see if history will repeat itself or if, for once, dialogue will triumph over deadlock. The fate of the nation’s university students now hangs in the balance — and the next few days may very well determine whether the hope for a stable, functioning academic system in Nigeria remains a dream or becomes a reality.