The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), giving both parties seven days to resolve their ongoing dispute or risk a nationwide student protest. The association said another strike action would be unacceptable to Nigerian students who have already suffered from repeated academic disruptions in the past.

In a statement released on Wednesday by NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, the student body expressed deep concern over renewed tensions between ASUU and the government. Oladoja noted that the education sector has enjoyed two consecutive years without strike under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Administration, which he described as a remarkable improvement since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.

However, he warned that the recent threat of industrial action by ASUU poses a serious danger to this progress. NANS appealed to both sides to prioritise the interests of students and the stability of the university system by reaching a workable and lasting solution within the next seven days.

The statement also pointed out that many students are now relying on student loan schemes introduced by the government, making it even more critical to maintain a steady academic calendar. According to NANS, any further delay or disruption would increase students’ financial and emotional burden.

Oladoja concluded by warning that if the Federal Government and ASUU fail to reach an agreement within the given timeframe, NANS will mobilise students across the country to stage protests and defend their right to uninterrupted education.