Victor Akinkuolie ,Ado-Ekiti

Following the extension of the ongoing nationwide strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has threatened to resort to the disruption of the  forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States slated to hold on 18th of June and 10th of July 2022 respectively.

The students body also vowed to disrupt the party primaries to be held in various States of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, as part of the move to vent its anger over the extension of the nationwide strike declared by the ASUU.

NANS described the extension of the three months old nationwide strike by twelve weeks by the agrieved members of ASUU, as a deliberate action and declaration of war against the university students.

The students’ body described the extension as a signal that the federal government under President Muhammadu Buhari was grossly insensitive to the plights of the Nigerian students.

The NANS’ National President, Comrade Sunday Asefon, said this in a statement made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti, on Tuesday.

Asefon, while expressing his anger over the extension, posited that NANS is to begin what he tagged ”Operation Test Run” across the nation beginning from May 10, that will serve as a precursor to total blockage of major roads in all the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

He said: “The three months extension of the strike is totally condemnable. The failure of the government to reach agreement with ASUU underscores their lack of concern and empathy with the plight of the common men and women of our nation who couldn’t afford private tertiary institutions.

“Having exhausted all windows of constructive engagement with the government. I, on behalf of the national leadership of NANS therefore declare National Action from today 10th of May 2022.

“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 shall 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”, he stated.

Asefon added that part of the proposal to be reached at the NANS’ congress slated for May  14, shall be total blockage of the airport roads across the country and total disruption of political party primaries.

“We are also planning 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”.