Continued ASUU Strike: NANS Declares Operation Test Run, To Ground Nigeria For Three Hours Daily

By Ayodele Oni

Frustrated and tired of continued stay at home, universities students are set to confront the federal government over its passive response to continued strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU).

ASUU leadership had on Monday extended its strike by another three months after completion of over two months no work order.

The students under the eagis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS) are set to paralyse economic activities and ground commercial activities nationwide to compel government to meet demands of the striking lecturers.

NANS President, Sunday Asefon condemned what he described as government’s lack of concern and empathy to the plight of parents, who are direct victims of the continued ASUU strike.

Asefon, in a statement, declared that “The 3months extension of the strike is totally condemned. The failure of the government to reach agreement with ASUU underscores their lack of concern and empathy to the plight of the common men and women of our nation who couldn’t afford private tertiary institutions.

“Having exhausted all window of constructive engagement with the government. I, on behalf of the national leadership of NANS therefore declare National Action from tomorrow 10th.

“The National  Actions is tagged “Operation Test Run” Operation Test Run shall be held in all the 36 State of the Federation. Federal Roads across the 36 States shall be occupied for a minimum of 3hrs.

“The Operation shall be a precursor to a total shutdown that will be decided during our Senate meeting/pre-convention on Saturday 14th May 2022. Our decision from the pre-convention be binding.

“The action shall be total as the extension of the ASUU strike is a direct declaration of war by the Federal Government against university students in Nigeria.

“Our proposal to congress on the 14th shall be total blockage of the airport roads across the country and total disruption of political party primaries, blockage of the national assembly until they are committed to passing legislation banning public office holders from sending their children to university abroad.

“We therefore advise divisive elements or paid agents of government to stay clear of our actions as the consequences shall be severe.

“By this release, all JCC Chairmen, Zonal Leaderships and Stakeholders are directed to act appropriately and ensure total compliance to the directive of “Operation Test Run” Shut down the Federal Roads in Your State, the nation must feel the heat.

“I therefore call on NLC, TUC and Civil Society organisation to join us to savage the remaining crackers of our public tertiary education in Nigeria. Let me assure you, I will lead from the front.”