NANS upbeat on ASUU, FG standoff

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) says it is looking forward to the resolution of the standoff between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government.

NANS’ President, Mr Chinonso Obasi, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, urged both parties to engage in constructive dialogue as they meet over the strike.

ASUU embarked on an indefinite strike on Aug. 14 to demand the implementation of the 2009 agreement with the Federal Government on conditions of service, funding, university autonomy and academic freedom.

The students association had given the Federal Government a 21 days ultimatum to resolve the issues to enable students return to school or face a total shut of activities across nation.

“As the Federal Government plans to meet with ASUU on the ongoing indefinite strike, NANS is calling on the parties to engage in constructive engagement.

“Such engagement will enable both parties to resolve the lingering issues that led to the declaration of the strike, save the education sector and the future of Nigerian students.

“Incessant and prolonged strike is one of factors responsible for the falling standard of education in Nigeria apart from the attendant untoward hardship to the students and their parents.

“Though ASUU had called for an emergency Senate meeting to deliberate on the strike and the way forward before the Federal Government’s call for a meeting with the union, NANS will await the outcome of the meeting to determine the next line of action,’’ it stated.

The statement urged both parties to put the interest of education and the students at heart as they meet.