The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has appealed to state governments with affected universities to resolve outstanding issues with academic staff and prevent industrial action that could disrupt the academic calendar.
In a press release dated August 11, 2026, NANS reacted to recent resolutions of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) National Executive Council (NEC), including the authorisation for affected university branches to issue 14-day ultimatums over the implementation of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU Agreement.
The students' body warned that another prolonged university shutdown would place additional pressure on Nigerian students, who have previously experienced disruptions to their studies, delayed graduation and extended academic programmes.
NANS Appeals to ASUU to Protect Students From Disruption
NANS acknowledged the concerns raised by ASUU and recognised the right of university lecturers to demand the implementation of agreements affecting their welfare.
However, the students' association appealed to ASUU leadership to ensure that students do not become the primary victims of disputes between academic staff and governments.
According to NANS, students have already endured the effects of previous industrial actions, including interruptions to academic activities and delays in graduation.
The association therefore urged the ASUU NEC to reconsider any action that could lead to the closure of universities and instead continue engagement with the state governments and institutions responsible for outstanding aspects of the agreement.
Nasarawa State University Already on Strike, NANS Says
NANS noted that Nasarawa State University, Keffi, had already commenced industrial action in connection with the issues surrounding implementation of the agreement.
The association also stated that 20 university branches had been authorised by ASUU NEC to issue 14-day ultimatums.
NANS said the implementation of the 2025 agreement by state governments remains a major concern in the affected institutions.
The students' body is consequently calling on the governments responsible for the affected universities to address the outstanding matters before they result in wider disruption to academic activities.
NANS Calls on State Governors to Honour Their Responsibilities
The association has urged all state governments with affected universities to take immediate steps to meet their obligations under the 2025 agreement.
NANS specifically called for outstanding issues affecting academic staff to be addressed and for eligible staff members to receive benefits due to them without further delay.
The association argued that students should not be removed from classrooms because of unresolved administrative or financial obligations involving governments and university staff.
It also appealed directly to governors whose state universities have been affected by the ASUU directive to intervene urgently and help resolve the issues.
Students Should Not Bear the Consequences, NANS Says
A major concern raised by NANS is the potential impact of another university strike on students.
The association said previous industrial actions have resulted in prolonged academic disruptions, delayed graduation and extended programmes, which it described as having serious consequences for students.
NANS maintained that students are not parties to the agreements between governments and ASUU and should therefore not be made to bear the consequences of disagreements over their implementation.
The association called on governments and university stakeholders to prioritise the continuity of academic activities.
NANS Urges Governors to Put Students First
NANS also appealed to the affected state governors to consider the interests of students when handling the ongoing disputes.
The association said university classrooms should not become the place where students suffer the consequences of unresolved administrative issues.
It urged the governors to ensure that outstanding obligations to university academic staff are addressed and that the relevant benefits reach eligible staff members.
NANS Pledges Continued Engagement With ASUU and Governments
Despite its concerns over the possibility of another round of industrial action, NANS said it remains committed to constructive engagement with ASUU, the Federal Government and university managements.
The association said its objective is to help create an environment where Nigerian students can pursue their education without unnecessary interruptions.
NANS concluded by emphasising that students deserve an uninterrupted academic experience and called on all parties involved to resolve outstanding issues through dialogue and engagement.
Source: National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Press Release dated August 11, 2026.
Signed:
Dist. Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, GCNS
President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)
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