Students from all state-owned universities in Ondo State have issued a 14-day ultimatum to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to resolve the ongoing industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other affiliated unions. The move comes as academic activities remain suspended across the state’s tertiary institutions.
Mayomi Adeboye, the chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Ondo State Chapter, announced the deadline during a briefing with stakeholders. He stated that the prolonged strike has created an atmosphere of uncertainty for thousands of students who are unable to proceed with their academic programmes.
The student leadership warned that if the state government fails to address the demands of the striking academic unions within the two-week window, they will commence widespread protests across the state. The ultimatum to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa seeks an immediate end to the disruption caused by the labour dispute.
The industrial action involves not only ASUU but also several sister unions within the academic sector, whose demands have yet to be met by the state administration. While the specific details of the government’s current negotiation stance remain unconfirmed, the NANS leadership expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of the dialogue.
Academic disruption and student unrest
The ongoing strike has caused significant disruptions to the academic calendars of the state-owned universities. Students have reported difficulties in scheduling examinations, completing research, and meeting graduation requirements. For many, the uncertainty has led to increased anxiety regarding their future career prospects and the timely completion of their degrees.
Beyond the classroom, the strike carries economic implications for families across Ondo State. Many parents and guardians have expressed frustration over the additional financial burden caused by the extended period students spend in school without active learning. The stagnation of the academic year threatens to increase the overall cost of education for the current session.
The tension in Ondo State mirrors a broader trend of industrial disputes within the Nigerian education sector, where funding gaps and the renegotiation of employment terms often lead to prolonged strikes. In Ondo, the focus remains on the state government’s ability to meet the specific welfare and infrastructural demands of the university staff to restore normalcy.
NANS has called for an emergency meeting between the state government, union leaders, and student representatives to find a middle ground before the ultimatum expires. The association maintains that the interests of the students must be prioritised to prevent a total breakdown of the educational system in the state.
The state government has yet to issue an official response to the 14-day deadline set by the student leaders.
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