From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving N50 billion to federal universities to settle outstanding earned allowances for the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and non-academic staff.
ASUU has long clashed with the federal government over unpaid allowances outlined in their Memorandum of Action (MoA). President Tinubu pledged to resolve the issue to reduce frequent ASUU strikes in universities.
On Wednesday, Minister of Education Dr Maruf Alausa announced the approval of N50 billion to clear the backlog of earned allowances in federal universities. In response, NANS, in a statement by its National Vice President on Inter-Campus and Gender Affairs, Akinbodunse Sileola Felicia, on Thursday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, praised Tinubu for fulfilling his promise, resolving the prolonged dispute.
NANS described the president’s action as noble and unprecedented, noting it would stabilise the university system. Akinbodunse said students, as the primary beneficiaries, expect enhanced academic activities and improved performance from academic and non-academic staff.
“This approval is a major milestone for the Tinubu-led administration,” she stated, adding that it has endeared the president to Nigerian students.
She noted the significant reduction in ASUU strikes since Tinubu’s administration began in 2023 and affirmed NANS’s continued support for his efforts to revitalise tertiary education. Akinbodunse urged the president to sustain policies that advance educational development, particularly at the tertiary level.