The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has appealed to the Kebbi State Government, the management of Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero (AFUSTA), its Governing Council and the university’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to resolve their differences through dialogue and prevent a looming industrial action.
The appeal comes after ASUU-AFUSTA issued a two-week ultimatum, warning that it would embark on strike if unresolved welfare issues affecting its members are not addressed.
In a statement signed by its National Vice President (External Affairs), Sadiq Zango, NANS expressed concern that an ASUU Kebbi strike would negatively affect students and disrupt the institution’s academic calendar. The association acknowledged that lecturers’ welfare and professional development remain critical to maintaining quality higher education, stressing that the concerns raised by the union deserve urgent attention.
According to NANS, the issues include the implementation of outstanding remuneration, payment of earned academic allowances, promotion exercises, annual salary increments, salary adjustments and other welfare commitments. The student body described the demands as legitimate matters that should be resolved through constructive engagement rather than prolonged confrontation.
NANS disclosed that its National Secretariat has already opened discussions with the leadership of ASUU-AFUSTA, while also engaging the university management and relevant officials of the Kebbi State Government to facilitate a peaceful resolution.
The association maintained that lasting industrial harmony can only be achieved when all parties respect agreements, sustain open communication and prioritise the long-term development of higher education. It urged stakeholders to exhaust every available avenue for dialogue before any industrial action is declared.
NANS warned that any strike action would disrupt lectures, examinations, graduation schedules, research activities, professional accreditation exercises and the overall stability of the university’s academic programme. While recognising the constitutional right of labour unions to embark on industrial action, the association insisted that every effort should be made to shield students from avoidable disruptions capable of weakening confidence in Nigeria’s university system.
As part of efforts to prevent the crisis from escalating, NANS pledged its readiness to facilitate a high-level stakeholders’ meeting involving the Kebbi State Government, the university management, the Governing Council, ASUU-AFUSTA and other relevant parties.
The association appealed to all stakeholders to place the future of students above every other consideration, urging them to allow dialogue, collaboration and mutual understanding to guide efforts toward resolving the dispute. NANS also assured students that it would continue monitoring developments while expressing optimism that the issues would be settled peacefully in the interest of education and academic stability in Kebbi State.
