The Students’ wing of Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), on Thursday, demanded the immediate resignation of Education Minister, Adamu Adamu, over his alleged failure to bring to an end the current strike by members of the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities.
According to the students, Federal Government seemed not to be bothered about their future and about the negative effects that strikes had been having on them. The students stated that the government, in particular the Minister of Education, lacks the political will, capacity and willingness to bring the matter to an end, as such he should resign with immediate effect.
The students’ wing of the Coalition declared that if the government fails to find an immediate solution to the strike, its members would collaborate with the National Association of Nigerian Students in its proposed ‘National Day of Action’, to ensure total shutdown of the country.
Excerpts of an address by their National Coordinator, Jamilu Charanchi reads, “The Students’ wing of the Coalition of Northern Groups is worried that the four-week warning strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities is already in its third week, with no hope for a resolution in sight, while our universities remain shut. We are concerned at the frequency of the disruption of the Nigerian education system that keeps frustrating the ambitions and aspirations of the youths to acquire knowledge.
“Sadly, this strike is the second industrial action embarked on by ASUU in less than two years, and the 16th since the inception of the fourth republic democracy in 1999.
“Failure of the government to resolve the matter within the stipulated time, the CNG Students’ wing will join hands with NANS in ensuring total shutdown of the country.
“In line with the above, we hereby direct all National Excos, State structures, Campus structures, Faculty Senators and Departmental Ambassadors to commence massive public mobilisation in readiness for an impending National Day.”
