The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has advised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against proceeding with its protest as planned, News About Nigeria reports.
The Senate President of the Association, Akinteye Babatunde, made this appeal in an address on Monday, urging the Congress to explore alternative avenues to resolve disputes with the Federal Government.
Recall that in a statement on Sunday, the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, insisted that a protest would be held on Tuesday and Wednesday as planned over the current economic hardship in the country.
On February 16, the NLC announced the nationwide protest scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday over the alleged government’s failure to implement agreements reached between both parties on October 2, 2023, following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
However, reacting to this, the Association of Nigerian Students expressed concerns about the potential repercussions of the protest on academic activities and the overall welfare of citizens.
“We are appealing to the NLC to reconsider their decision and prioritise collaboration with the government for the greater good of the nation.
“We believe that dialogue and constructive engagement are essential for addressing grievances and achieving meaningful progress in improving the welfare of workers and citizens alike.
“The looming threat of a strike poses a significant risk of further exacerbating the economic challenges facing the nation and disrupting the lives of ordinary citizens, including students,” Babatunde stated.
He further noted that the strike action on academic activities would be devastating, particularly for students, who are already grappling with various challenges within the educational system.
“Disruptions to academic calendars, examinations, and other educational activities could derail the progress of students and exacerbate the already precarious situation in the education sector,” he added.
