NANS Calls for Urgent Government Intervention as NSUK Crisis Deepens

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Nasarawa State axis, has appealed to the Nasarawa State Government to urgently settle outstanding staff arrears owed to the Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), to end the prolonged industrial action and restore academic activities.

The appeal came on Monday during a crucial engagement between NANS leadership and the university management, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sa'adatu Hassan Liman, at the university campus.

The meeting, convened by NANS National Treasurer and Head of NANS in Nasarawa State, Comrade Idris Asmawu Omeiza, alongside other student stakeholders, followed an appeal from the Vice-Chancellor for NANS to help calm students and discourage a planned protest over the extended disruption.

Addressing the delegation, Prof. Liman disclosed that the University Management and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had reached an understanding on the payment of outstanding staff arrears. She expressed confidence that the government would fulfil its obligations to enable full resumption.

"Efforts will be intensified to ensure that students are called back to campus to resume academic activities and continue their session. I appeal to students to remain patient and embrace dialogue while the issues are being resolved," she said.

In her response, Comrade Omeiza reaffirmed NANS' commitment to dialogue and peaceful engagement, emphasising the association's "Three Cs" principle: Consultation, Consolidation and Communication before Confrontation.

"As a product of Nasarawa State University, I remain deeply concerned about the welfare, safety and academic progress of students. I will not support any action that unnecessarily puts them at risk," she stated.

She commended the Vice-Chancellor for her developmental strides and for fostering a conducive learning environment that has positioned NSUK among the best state universities in Nigeria.

Also present at the meeting, the Divisional Police Officer of Angwan Lambu Police Station urged students to channel their grievances through peaceful and lawful means, while the DSS Director, Keffi, cautioned student leaders to consider the security implications of mass gatherings and prevent the hijacking of legitimate concerns by individuals with ulterior motives.

NANS acknowledged the frustrations of students over the prolonged disruption but urged them to remain calm, patient and peaceful while consultations continue.

"We call on the Government of Nasarawa State, as a matter of urgency, to intervene and settle the outstanding arrears owed to university staff in order to facilitate the resolution of the industrial dispute and enable students to return to campus," the association stated.

NANS reiterated its commitment to protecting the interests and welfare of students while pursuing a peaceful and lasting resolution to the ongoing crisis.