By Adebisi Fathiu Gbolahun(SIWES Student, Kwara Polytechnic)
The much-anticipated meeting between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), scheduled for today, has been indefinitely postponed, further extending the deadlock in negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing strike by university lecturers.
This development leaves the fate of thousands of students in limbo as the strike enters its sixth month with no resolution in sight.
The meeting was expected to address critical issues such as funding, salaries, and university autonomy, but its abrupt postponement without a new date has sparked frustration among stakeholders and heightened concerns about the future of Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
While ASUU officials expressed disappointment, they remain firm in their demands for significant reforms, leaving students and parents to endure the prolonged industrial action.
The academic calendar is now in jeopardy, with many students fearing the loss of an entire academic year if the strike continues unresolved.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a stern warning to the government, threatening mass protests and civil unrest if the strike is not called off within two weeks.
In the meantime, university administrators are exploring alternative solutions, such as online learning, to minimize the impact on students’ academic progress.
However, ASUU remains steadfast, insisting that the government must meet its demands before lecturers return to the classrooms.
