The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to reconsider its planned strike over the delayed payment of June salaries to university lecturers.
In a statement released Tuesday in Abuja, and signed by NANS National Vice President for Inter-Campus and Gender Affairs, Felicia Akinbodunse, the student body warned that a new strike could jeopardize the academic stability Nigerian universities have enjoyed over the past two years.
ASUU had earlier announced intentions to embark on industrial action following a resolution by its National Executive Council (NEC), which cited the federal government’s failure to pay June 2025 salaries.
The union said the decision aligns with its “No Pay, No Work” policy, which mandates a halt in academic duties if salaries are delayed by more than three days.
Some ASUU branches, including those at the University of Jos and the University of Abuja, have already begun strike actions in line with the NEC directive.
ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, confirmed the developments, stating the union was adhering to established procedures to compel the government to meet its financial responsibilities.
In response, NANS called on ASUU to opt for dialogue rather than industrial action, citing the adverse effects such a move would have on students and their families particularly amid current economic challenges.
Akinbodunse emphasized the importance of maintaining the relative peace the university system has experienced since President Bola Tinubu assumed office. She appealed to ASUU to consider the broader impact of another strike.
“We urge ASUU to exercise patience and engage the federal government constructively. Students bear the greatest burden during strikes, and any disruption now would be a major setback,” she said.
She also urged the federal government to act swiftly in resolving salary payment delays and to implement a lasting solution to prevent recurring disputes with academic unions.
NAN
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