The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the demand of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for the payment of a six-month arrears salary for the entire period of the strike before they can return to the classrooms.
The Association opined that it is unfair to base the resumption of academic activities on full payment of the arrears.
In a statement made by its National President, Sunday Asefon, the student association tagged ASUU’s request as not only insensitive but also selfish and inconsiderate.
Asefon who noted that ASUU has refused to meet with the student association said the union has failed to consider students’ plights in their industrial actions.
“ASUU had masqueraded some of their interests as the interest of tertiary education in Nigeria, and at some point masqueraded their interest as the interest of the students. We know that ASUU is less concerned about the interest of the students because of our experiences with them at our various tertiary institutions,” he said.
Asefon alleged that ASUU members, who over the years have been used to expel, suspend and rusticate students for protesting for improved welfare “cannot suddenly turn around to claim they are fighting for our interest”
Asefon questioned the reason for the strike and said the students’ association no longer believes that the continuous strike is reasonable, justifiable, and necessary.
“If the Federal Government has acceded to most of the requests that necessitated the strike in the first place, the continuation of the strike means there may be other ulterior motives not known to the public and the students and we will no longer continue to support ASUU to hold the nation and tertiary education ransom. Demanding six-month salary arrears before calling off the strike just like kidnappers demand their ransom before releasing their victim.
“The rule of law is the touchstone of a civilized society. If ASSU leadership and its members are insisting that their six months salary that they’ve been on strike be paid as against section 43 of the Trade Disputes Act which maintains that striking workers are not entitled to their remunerations, who is going to pay the students for their six months house rent and other expenses?” he asserted.
He, however, called for an end to the strike and encouraged State Governors at all levels to ensure that all State Universities are reopened.