The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has ordered students to occupy the streets of Abuja with their cooking pots, mattresses and other personal effects in protest against the ongoing strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.
Sunday Asefon, president of NANS, disclosed this known in a letter dated March 25 and addressed to zonal coordinators of the union.
Titled “Urgent Notice of Immediate Commencement of Mobilisation,”
NANS 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 declared a four-week warning strike on February 14. A month after, on March 14, it extended the industrial action by two months.
Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, ASUU president, said the decision to extend the strike was to give the Federal Government and its agencies enough time to meet the lingering demands of the union.
