Following a comprehensive briefing from the NANS Zonal Coordinator, the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) confirms that the high-level meeting convened by the Niger State Government with the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over the strike at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), has ended successfully.
The ASUU leadership expressed satisfaction with the agreement reached with university management and state authorities, resolving to hold a congress to formally call off the industrial action.
Consequently, NANS has officially directed the NANS Zonal Coordinator to call off the planned mass protest. The Zonal Coordinator will visit the IBBUL campus to monitor developments and ensure that the agreed framework progresses smoothly.
Appreciation of Governor Bago and Regional Strike Resolution Track Record
NANS extends sincere appreciation to the Niger State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, for his proactive intervention and commitment to resolving the crisis. His willingness to engage constructively with academic staff and university management underscores a genuine commitment to student welfare and uninterrupted academic calendars.
This victory adds to a series of sustained interventions by NANS National across the country:
- Ondo State-Owned Universities: Successfully resolved the ASUU strike and restored academic activities.
- Benue State University: Secured a progressive update where all parties reached an agreement to end industrial action.
- IBBUL (Niger State): Achieved an agreement framework paved for the immediate resumption of lectures.
NANS reiterates that no public university in Nigeria should remain shut due to avoidable ASUU strikes, and the apex student organization will never compromise on this mandate.
Rebuke of Outgoing IBBUL SUG Leadership and Reaffirmation of NANS Authority
NANS expresses strong disappointment with the outgoing Student Union Government (SUG) President of IBBUL over his passive stance during the crisis and his subsequent attempt to discourage students from participating in the NANS-led protest.
"NANS National does not require anyone’s approval to stand up for students when their education, safety, and welfare are at stake. When students were deeply affected by this prolonged strike, the SUG leadership was silent. Yet, when NANS mobilized for direct action, statements were issued urging students not to participate. Our responsibility is to the Nigerian student, and we will continue to discharge that responsibility without fear or favor."
The tangible progress recorded through strategic pressure proves that when organized student leadership stands united and demands accountability, meaningful results are achieved.
Advisory to IBBUL Students
As the university community awaits the formal declaration from ASUU following its congress, NANS urges all IBBUL students to remain calm, stay safe, and await official announcements regarding campus reopening.
ALUTA CONTINUA, VICTORIA ACERTA!
Signed:
Dist. Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, GCNS
National President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)
