The National Association of Nigerian Students, Joint Campus Council (NANS JCC), Ondo State Axis, has expressed deep concern over the lingering industrial action in the state’s tertiary institutions, particularly at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), which embarked on strike even before the nationwide action declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
In a statement issued on Sunday, October 19, 2025, and signed by Comrade Samuel Agbelusi (BigSam), Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, the student body described the situation as “painful, frustrating, and detrimental to the future of thousands of students across the state.”
The Chairman of NANS JCC Ondo State, Comrade Adekanye Mayomi Adeboye, popularly known as INEC, commended the Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for his ongoing efforts to reform and strengthen the state’s education sector. He acknowledged the Governor’s commitment to infrastructural development and administrative improvement within the tertiary education system but warned that the gains could be eroded if the ongoing strikes are not urgently resolved.
“While we appreciate the commendable strides of Governor Aiyedatiwa, we must confront the pressing reality that the continuous strike actions have placed the future of Ondo State students in jeopardy,” the statement read in part.
The student body attributed the strike to unresolved welfare concerns, unpaid entitlements, and administrative lapses that could have been prevented through proactive government engagement. NANS lamented that students, parents, and guardians have borne the brunt of the industrial dispute, with many stranded, paying rent and other expenses despite halted academic activities.
Comrade Adekanye, therefore, called on the Ondo State Government to immediately engage ASUU leadership in all state-owned tertiary institutions in transparent dialogue that prioritizes the swift restoration of academic activities. He urged the government to address outstanding financial obligations to lecturers, or at the very least, announce a clear payment plan to rebuild trust and confidence.
The statement also proposed the creation of a joint task force comprising representatives of the state government, ASUU, university management, and student leaders to monitor implementation of agreements and prevent future breakdowns in communication.
“Beyond resolving the present crisis, there is an urgent need for long-term policy reforms that institutionalize early dispute resolution, staff welfare reviews, and continuous dialogue among stakeholders,” the statement added.
NANS JCC reaffirmed its readiness to serve as a bridge between students, lecturers, and government, emphasizing dialogue over confrontation. It, however, warned that the association “will not hesitate to take lawful actions should the government fail to act swiftly.”
“We commend Governor Aiyedatiwa for his leadership, but we remind him that true leadership is measured by responsiveness to the cries of the people, especially the youth, who represent the future. Education must not be a privilege delayed; it is a right that must be protected,” the statement concluded.
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