February 26, 2024
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to shelve its planned industrial action and embrace dialogue with the federal government.
A statement by NANS Senate president, Akinteye Afeez said the impact of the strike on academic activities would be particularly devastating for students, who are already grappling with various challenges within the educational system.
He said disruptions to academic calendars, examinations, and other educational activities could derail the progress of students and exacerbate the already precarious situation in the education sector.
The student body stressed the importance of unity and solidarity in times of crisis, urging the NLC to join hands with the government and other stakeholders in advancing the development agenda of the nation.
The statement reads in part: βThe Nigerian government has reportedly fulfilled approximately 60 percent of the demands presented by the NLC, indicating a commitment to addressing the concerns of workers and improving their welfare. However, the looming threat of a strike poses a significant risk of further exacerbating the economic challenges facing the nation and disrupting the lives of ordinary citizens, including students.
βWe are appealing to the NLC to shun the path of strike action and explore alternative avenues for resolving disputes with the government. We believe that dialogue and constructive engagement are essential for addressing grievances and achieving meaningful progress in improving the welfare of workers and citizens alike.β
NANS pledged its support for the NLC in their advocacy and efforts to address challenges facing workers while ensuring the well-being and prosperity of all Nigerians.
