Indigenous students in tertiary institutions across Nasarawa State have appealed to lecturers in state-owned schools to suspend the ongoing industrial action and return to classrooms to prevent further disruption of academic activities.
The appeal was made by the Nasarawa State Students Association (NASSA) following the indefinite strike declared by the Joint Unions of Nasarawa State Tertiary Institutions (JUNSTI) over the state government’s failure to fully implement the New National Minimum Wage.
Speaking during a press briefing in Lafia on Monday, the National President of NASSA, Abimiku David, said while the association understands and respects the demands of the striking unions, students are bearing the brunt of the prolonged shutdown of academic activities.
David described the agitation for improved welfare and fair remuneration for workers as legitimate and constitutionally guaranteed, but expressed concern that students, who have no control over the dispute, are the most affected.
According to him, the continued closure of schools threatens students’ academic progress, disrupts the academic calendar, delays graduation timelines and puts future career plans and aspirations at risk.
He noted that students of the three affected state-owned institutions — Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic, Lafia; College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Lafia; and College of Education, Akwanga — are once again being forced to shoulder the burden of an industrial dispute between the government and the unions.
On behalf of the association, David appealed to members of JUNSTI to consider the plight of students by suspending the strike while dialogue and negotiations with the state government continue.
He also called on the Nasarawa State Government to act with urgency and responsibility by addressing the demands of the unions without further delay, stressing that education should not be held hostage to prolonged negotiations when solutions are achievable through sincere engagement.
David said NASSA believes industrial harmony is possible when all parties place the future of education and the welfare of students at the centre of their decisions, adding that the association remains committed to peaceful advocacy, constructive dialogue and the protection of students’ interests across the state.
He assured the public that NASSA would continue to engage relevant stakeholders until academic activities are fully restored in all affected institutions.
The strike action was earlier justified by JUNSTI Chairman, Samson Gbande, who accused the state government of failing to honour agreements reached after several meetings and negotiations on the implementation of the new minimum wage.
Gbande said repeated assurances were given that the new wage structure would take effect from November 2025, but despite the union’s patience for over a year, the promises have not translated into action, leaving the union with no option but to embark on an indefinite strike.