The newly elected leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) will meet with the federal government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over ending the prolonged strike action by university lecturers.
The newly elected president of the association, Comrade Umar Barambu disclosed this.
Barambu, a student of Economics and Development Studies of the Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa was over the weekend officially declared NANS President at the old parade ground in Abuja.
According to Barambu, the aim of the meeting is finding a centre point for amicable resolution to ensure that students in public universities return to school.
“My administration will ensure peaceful coexistence and uninterrupted academic activities in all tertiary institutions in the country”
Barambu also said NANS would fight against victimisation of students leaders and activists on campuses.
Meanwhile, the outgoing President of the association, Sunday Asefon has congratulated Barambu.
Asefon in a statement on Sunday challenged the President-elect to continue in the fight for the emancipation and improved welfare for Nigerian students while taking its rightful place in the nation’s polity.
The statement read, “When I assumed office, one of the promises I made is to ensure that I leave NANS better than I met it. We initiated electoral reforms and made them institutional. Let me congratulate the President-Elect of NANS, Comrade Usman Umar Barambu for earning the mandate of the Nigerian students in a very free and fair election.
“In the same vein, I congratulate Comrade Attah Felix for returning as the Senate President of NANS. Institutional reforms are the bedrock upon which transformational progress is built. We reform the system through a constitutional amendment and made accreditation impossible for ineligible voters and for the first time in our recent history, we conducted a rancor-free election and not a single bullet was shot as against experiences of the past where hoodlums shoot guns at will.I also want to appreciate Nigerian students for the overwhelming support I was given.
“Nigerian students stood by me and we fought side by side all through our time in the trenches. We won some, and we learned from others. I therefore on behalf of my team look forward to handing over to the new leadership whom I hope will build on the legacies we have elicited. Unionism is like building a tower, some will lay the foundation, and others will build on it.” Continue Reading
