ASUU strike: Occupy Abuja streets, NANS tells students

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) said it has begun mobilising students nationwide to disrupt official activities and public movements in Abuja beginning from Monday.

NANS said this was to express its anger over the inability of the Federal Government and Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to resolve their differences and reopen the classrooms.

The association, during an expanded meeting in Abuja, by its National Executive Council had asked the aggrieved parties to reach a concession on or before Monday, March 28 to avoid the mass action.

However, NANS President, Sunday Asefon, in a statement on Friday, directed students to occupy the streets of Abuja to register their frustrations.

In the letter titled, ‘Urgent Notice of Immediate Commencement of Mobilisation’ and dated March 25, 2022.

Asefon said, “Sequel to our ultimatum issued to the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities to find a lasting solution to their face-off for our universities to reopen on or before March 28, 2022.

“With no hope in sight for resumption of academic activities on our campuses, you are by this notice directed to commence immediately, mass mobilisation of students to resume their academic activities on the newly created University of Street, Abuja.

“Students are enjoined to come along with their cooking utensils, mattresses, mosquito-treated net and other needed logistics to make the stay conducive as the protest may last longer than expected until campuses are reopened.

“The Coordinator of NANS Zone C, Abah Owoicho, has been appointed as Registrar of the New University of Abuja Street and coordinator of the mass occupational protest.

“While looking forward to your swift consideration for immediate action, please accept our regards.”

ASUU, on March 14, at the expiration of its four-week warning strike to the Federal Government, had extended the industrial action by two months.