The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the release of ₦50 billion to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other non-academic staff in federal universities. This substantial allocation is seen as a pivotal move towards resolving longstanding disputes and enhancing stability within Nigeria's tertiary education sector.
Felicia Akinbodunse, NANS National Vice President for Inter-Campus and Gender Affairs, expressed the association's appreciation in a statement released in Abuja on Thursday.
"This gesture by President Tinubu is both noble and unprecedented," Akinbodunse remarked. "It signifies a commitment to resolving longstanding disputes and promoting stability within our university system."
The ₦50 billion allocation aims to address the backlog of earned allowances, a contentious issue that has fueled frequent industrial actions by university staff. The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, announced the fund's approval on Wednesday, emphasizing the government's dedication to improving the welfare of academic and non-academic personnel.
Akinbodunse highlighted that since the current administration took office in 2023, there has been a noticeable decline in strike actions by ASUU members. She attributed this to the government's proactive approach to addressing the union's concerns.
"NANS remains committed to supporting initiatives that enhance the quality and accessibility of tertiary education in Nigeria," she added. "We urge the government to continue implementing policies that foster educational development and address the needs of students nationwide."
This development marks a positive step towards restoring confidence in Nigeria's higher education system and ensuring a conducive learning environment for students across the country.
— Dip Connect Online News
