- Confirms release of AAU students, others arrested during Edo protest
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has commended the Federal government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for signing a new agreement aimed at restoring stability and improving quality in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
A statement signed by Michael Oyewole, Chief Press Secretary to NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, quoted the students’ leader as saying that the agreement marks a fresh direction for Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
Oladoja described the agreement as a landmark development that would improve welfare for academic staff and ensure an uninterrupted academic calendar for students.
According to the NANS President, the new pact replaces the 2009 agreement that had been at the centre of prolonged industrial disputes and frequent disruptions of academic activities.
The students’ body noted that comments by ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Dingyadi, and other stakeholders reflected a renewed spirit of collaboration and sincerity in implementing the agreement.
He further stated that NANS had played an active role in advocating dialogue and reforms that prioritise the welfare of both lecturers and students, adding that sustained engagement by student leaders helped create an enabling environment for the breakthrough.
“The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) heartily commends the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for the successful signing and unveiling of a new agreement that promises to usher in stability, improved welfare, and quality in our tertiary education system.
“NANS particularly applaud President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to quality education and an uninterrupted academic calendar for Nigerian students.
“The statements from the President, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Chris Piwuna, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Dingyadi, and other dignitaries underscore a renewed spirit of partnership and sincerity in implementation, qualities we have long advocated,” the statement added.
While welcoming the agreement, NANS urged the Federal Government and ASUU to ensure faithful, timely and transparent implementation of all provisions. The association warned that any deviation could undermine trust and reverse the gains made.
“This is indeed a turning point; together, we can build a tertiary education system that works for everyone; lecturers, students, parents, and the nation at large,” the association stated.
The Federal government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), on Wednesday, unveiled and presented a signed agreement to the public.
Key provisions of the agreement include a 40 per cent upward review of academic staff salaries with effect from January 1, 2026; the introduction of a consolidated academic tools allowance; and the creation of professorial cadre allowances to recognise the responsibilities of senior academics, among others.
In another development, the students’ body has confirmed the release of 52 youths detained for protesting in Edo State.
According to NANS, 38 of the arrested youths are students of Ambrose Ali University (AAU), Ekpoma, while the remaining 14 are youth members of the community.
NANS National President, Olushola Oladoja, commended Governor Monday Okpebholo, for his prompt intervention and peaceful resolution of the matter, ensuring the release of the detained youths.
“Their timely involvement and the instrumentality of their offices significantly contributed to the prompt and amicable resolution of the matter and the eventual release of the students, for which NANS is grateful.”
Oladoja attributed the delay in the release to due process, explaining that although there was an early commitment to secure the youths’ release, necessary legal and administrative procedures could not be bypassed.
He noted that NANS leadership worked closely with relevant authorities to ensure proper documentation, verification, and identification of those arrested, and said the action demonstrated the governor’s willingness to listen to the concerns of students and youths.
He also called on security agencies to exercise restraint in handling peaceful protests and urged the State government to sustain engagement with students and community stakeholders to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Oladoja condemned acts of theft, destruction of property, and other criminality carried out under the guise of exercising the right to protest, cautioning youths and students against engaging in antisocial behaviour that could undermine law and order and threaten the country’s peaceful coexistence.
He added: “Peaceful protest remains a legitimate civic right, but it must not be exploited to justify criminal activities. Students and young people across the country must conduct themselves responsibly and shun actions capable of fracturing national unity.”
NANS reaffirmed its commitment to working with State governments, Federal authorities, and other relevant stakeholders to promote youth and student development, stressing that sustained collaboration with public institutions would help build a more inclusive, responsive, and prosperous Nigeria.
