Tinubu Ends Era of Prolonged ASUU Strikes — Presidency

The Presidency has said the era of prolonged strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which had repeatedly disrupted academic activities in Nigerian tertiary institutions, is over under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The declaration was made during the North Central Zonal edition of the Renewed Hope Student Leaders Engagement and Digital Acceleration Programme held at the Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement said Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions had enjoyed three consecutive years of uninterrupted academic activities under the Tinubu administration.

The event brought together more than 1,000 student leaders from the seven states in the North Central zone, including representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Students, National Association of Polytechnic Students, National Association of University Students, Students’ Union Governments and Joint Campus Committees.

The presidential aide recalled his experience as president of NANS in 2020 and 2021, when students staged protests over prolonged closures of universities caused by disputes between the Federal Government and university workers.

He said the situation had changed under Tinubu, with universities now maintaining stable academic calendars for three years.

According to him, the resolution of longstanding disputes between the Federal Government and ASUU had helped end the cycle of prolonged strikes that had affected students’ education over the years.

He said the administration viewed education as a major tool for national development and had made academic stability, access to education and better opportunities for students part of its Renewed Hope Agenda.

The presidential aide also said the government was focusing on equipping young Nigerians with skills needed to compete in the changing global economy.

He listed artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, software development and digital marketing among areas where students could develop useful skills and build careers.

He urged students to move beyond simply using technology and begin creating digital products, services and opportunities.

He said the student engagement programme was designed to improve communication between the government and students while providing opportunities in digital skills, entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation.

The programme, which had earlier been held in the South-South, is expected to be taken to other geopolitical zones in the coming weeks.

The presidential aide also urged student leaders to promote peace, integrity, dialogue and academic excellence in their institutions and communities.

He said student leadership should go beyond representing students and should include efforts to encourage peaceful coexistence and responsible leadership.

Representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education, Ministry of Youth Development, Federal University of Lafia, University of Abuja, Federal University Lokoja, Nigerian Education Loan Fund and student bodies attended the programme.

The presidential aide reaffirmed his office’s commitment to engaging students and providing opportunities aimed at improving their academic, economic and social development.