Students Urge Government To Resolve ASUU Dispute

University students have asked the Federal Government to act quickly on the unresolved demands of the Academic Staff Union of Universities to prevent another strike that could disrupt learning across campuses.

The appeal came from the National Association of University Students at its leadership and mentorship summit in Abuja, which followed the end of the one-month deadline ASUU gave the government to address its concerns.

The association’s president, Josiah Peter Oche, told participants that students cannot endure another long pause in their studies. He said many students have just resumed, while others are preparing for a new session, making it crucial for both sides to settle their differences. He noted that discussions between ASUU and the government have continued, and students want a settlement that addresses most of the union’s demands, including a fresh negotiation of the long-standing 2009 agreement.

The summit, held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, brought together students from different universities and featured the launch of the NAUS magazine and award presentations. Oche urged government at all levels to place students at the centre of national development, saying young people have always driven progress through ideas, innovation, and courage.

He added that Nigeria’s future will depend on students who can build businesses, create solutions, and shape new industries. He encouraged students to rise above political, ethnic, and religious divides and focus on unity and national growth. According to him, the country needs bold thinkers in fields such as technology, agriculture, renewable energy, engineering, and the creative sector.

A representative of Olori Temitope Morenike Enitan Ogunwusi, wife of the Ooni of Ife, also addressed the gathering, urging students to avoid cultism and drug abuse, noting that such habits could derail their future. She said leadership starts with discipline and responsibility and advised the government to strengthen the school curriculum to guide young people on values such as honesty, hard work, and patriotism.

She reminded the students that leadership shapes a nation and encouraged them to stay focused, develop useful skills, and work toward a united and stronger Nigeria.