ASUU Strike: NANS Orders Students To Begin Street Protests

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has ordered students to commence street protests against the continued strike action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

The directive, issued on Friday by NANS president, Comrade Sunday Asefon told the students to carry their cooking pots, mattresses, and other items and occupy the streets of Abuja, the nation’s capital city.

The directive was contained in a letter titled, ‘Urgent Notice Of Immediate Commencement Of Mobilisation,’ dated March 25, 2022, and addressed to the zonal coordinators of the union.

It said the protests will last until the federal government and ASUU resolve their differences and campuses are re-opened.

The letter reads:

“Sequel to our ultimatum issued to Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities to find lasting solution to their face-off for our university to reopen on or before 28th March 2022.

“With no hope in sight for resumption of academic activities on our campuses, you are by this notice directed to commence immediately, mass mobilization of students to resume their academic activities on the newly created University of Street, Abuja.

“Students are enjoined to come along with their cooking utensils, mattresses, mosquito-treated net and other needed logistics to make the stay conducive as the protest may last longer than expected until campuses are reopened.

“The Coordinator of NANS Zone C, Abah Owoicho has been appointed as Registrar of the New University of Abuja Street and coordinator of the mass occupational protest.

“While looking forward to your swift consideration for immediate action, please accept our regards.”

It will be recalled that ASUU under the leadership of Professor Emmanuel Osodeke had declared a one-month warning strike on February 14, 2022, over what it termed the failure of the federal government to address its demands and agreements.

The strike was further extended by two months on March 14 when the initial warning strike was supposed to end.