Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has declared support for the drive of UNIVASA in improving passengers’ travel experience with uninterrupted internet connectivity.

This was announced on Wednesday in Abuja at the NCAA and UNIVASA stakeholders’ engagement by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of NCAA, Mr Achimugu Michael.

He made the travel experience better for Nigerian passengers, noting: For too long, we have had these internet connectivity problems for Nigerian passengers both at our airports here at home and abroad.

‘Nigerians spend a lot of money to connect to internet abroad. So the Honorable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in his wisdom, sat down and had a conversation with UNIVASA which is also a local company run and operated by Nigerians, on how to improve internet connectivity for passengers.

‘One of his (Minister’s) five-point agenda is support for the local industry. As long as the company is offering world-class service that actually solves a very relevant need for Nigerian passengers, the Minister gives as much support as he can.

‘So when the company made this approach, offering this solution, we looked at it and realised that yes, it is something that is necessary at this point in time for Nigerians,’ the Director stated.

‘We are giving all the support we can to UNIVASA to make Nigerians have a better travel experience.’

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the DGCA of NCAA, Mrs Ifueko Abdulmalik, explained that ‘we think that this would help passengers improve their travel experience. We know that there is a lot of issues with connectivity for passengers going out of Nigeria and coming into the country.

‘This is a way to encourage ease of communication at whatever point a passenger is. And NCAA feels that definitely it will improve passenger experience and then it will also help passengers find their way around and make travel a lot easier and more comfortable,’ she stated.

On his part, the Managing Director of UNIVASA, Dr Ben Adeniyi, said the company’s SIM arrangements are very important to travellers, ‘particularly for international travellers, or frequent international travellers because, the issue of connectivity is no more a small issue.

‘It is very important to have the UNIVASA eSIM or the P-SIM, as we call it. The P-SIM is the physical SIM card that helps those people who do not have an eSIM-enabled phone to still use the UNIVASA service.

‘So yes, it’s very important because it gives you connectivity in more than 150 countries, and about 200 plus destinations to remain on the internet.’

He noted that ‘compared with local operators, UNIVASA eSIM is very affordable because we purchase data in a very large volume, therefore, we are able to bring the price quite competitive.’

Giving her user experience, Engr Halimat Adediran stated that ‘with over 400 networks across the world, which means any country you find yourself, you can never be stranded. And then the beautiful thing is that the connectivity is seamless,’ she noted.

Delta State Government has commenced moves to establish the state’s first neuropsychiatric facility and a state-of-the-art public health laboratory amid rising cases of drug abuse and growing mental health challenges.

The two projects are expected to be completed by March 2027, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, has disclosed.

Speaking with newsmen in Asaba, Onojaeme said the projects were part of the government’s efforts to address identified gaps in the state’s healthcare system and improve access to specialised medical services.

He said the projects followed a comprehensive needs assessment conducted by the state government shortly after Governor Sheriff Oborevwori assumed office in 2023.

According to him, the assessment identified the absence of a dedicated neuropsychiatric facility and a specialised public health laboratory as critical gaps requiring urgent intervention.

Onojaeme explained that residents requiring psychiatric care had, over the years, been forced to travel outside the state, particularly to Port Harcourt and Benin, to access specialised treatment.

He said the situation had become increasingly worrisome amid rising cases of drug abuse and its associated consequences.

The commissioner said the government was therefore establishing the neuropsychiatric facility to provide specialised mental healthcare closer to residents and reduce the hardship and cost associated with seeking treatment outside the state.

On the public health laboratory, Onojaeme said work was ongoing on a facility designed to strengthen the state’s capacity to conduct specialised tests and respond more effectively to infectious disease outbreaks.

He recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic and other disease outbreaks, samples collected in Delta were often transported to specialised laboratories in Irrua, Abuja and Lagos for analysis, sometimes resulting in delays in obtaining test results.

The commissioner warned that such delays could have serious implications during disease outbreaks, stressing that the new laboratory would enable the state to conduct specialised investigations locally.

‘With a Lassa fever outbreak, we no longer need to send our samples to other states to analyse and bring back. That will be done in Delta State,’ he said.

According to him, the laboratory would be equipped with modern diagnostic technology, including Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machines, to facilitate testing for infectious diseases.

He added that the facility was being developed in line with the standards of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), with the aim of ensuring that its test results and analyses meet acceptable standards.

Onojaeme said he recently inspected the laboratory to assess the progress of work, expressing confidence that the facility would be completed by March 2027.

The commissioner said the two projects represented significant investments in the state’s healthcare infrastructure and would enhance the government’s capacity to provide specialised medical services and respond promptly to public health emergencies.

Some students of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), have appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Nasarawa State government and the university management to urgently resolve the issues behind the ongoing strike and restore academic activities.

The students expressed sadness over the prolonged industrial action, saying they are eager to return to their classrooms following recent indications that the dispute may soon be resolved.

‘All we want to hear is the announcement of the suspension of the strike,’ one of the students told the Nigerian Tribune.

The appeal followed fresh developments in the dispute, with the university management expressing optimism that the strike by ASUU-NSUK would soon be called off, after the union accepted an offer presented by the state government.

Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, disclosed this in a management update issued, on Tuesday, saying recent engagements among the state government, university management and the unions had produced encouraging results.

According to her, the governor of Nasarawa State, who is also the Visitor to the university, recently held a meeting with ASUU, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) and the university management.

She said the government presented proposals to the unions at the meeting, which were subsequently considered by ASUU-NSUK at its Congress held last Wednesday.

The vice-chancellor said the union accepted the government’s offer and expressed appreciation for the intervention and commitment of the Visitor.

She added that the ASUU-NSUK executive subsequently met with the university management on Monday, to discuss the implementation of the resolutions reached at the congress.

‘Given these positive developments, Management is highly optimistic that the strike will be called off shortly,’ Liman said.

The development has raised hopes among students who have been affected by the industrial action since it commenced on August 10.

The students appealed to the parties involved to sustain the dialogue and conclude the process without further delay, stressing that the prolonged disruption was affecting their academic plans and the university calendar.

ASUU-NSUK had declared an indefinite strike over the alleged non-implementation of the 2025 agreement between the Federal Government and the union, alongside unresolved local issues at the university.

The branch chairman, Zubairu Loko, had said the union embarked on the action after exhausting avenues of dialogue with the relevant authorities without securing satisfactory implementation of agreements reached.

The branch had also cited outstanding payments estimated at more than N3 billion, including Earned Academic Allowance, consequential adjustments arising from the implementation of the national minimum wage and the Federal Government-approved salary increase for university lecturers.

The union maintained that it had exercised considerable restraint and pursued dialogue in the interest of the university, its students and the wider society before resorting to industrial action.

However, the latest intervention by the Nasarawa State Government appears to have opened a fresh avenue for resolving the dispute, following ASUU-NSUK’s acceptance of the government’s offer.

Meanwhile, the university management has appealed to students to remain calm and patient as consultations continue towards the restoration of normal academic activities.

Management also expressed concern over reports of plans by some students to stage a protest on campus.

While acknowledging the students’ right to peaceful assembly, the university said any protest must comply with established procedures, including prior written notice to the authorities, identification of protest leaders and disclosure of the proposed date, time and venue.

It warned that any protest conducted without fulfilling the stipulated conditions would be deemed unlawful and could lead to the involvement of law enforcement agencies and disciplinary action against participants.

Management urged students to avoid actions capable of further disrupting the academic calendar and encouraged anyone with information about planned unauthorised protests to report discreetly to the Dean of Student Affairs.

The university said it remained committed to the welfare of the students and expressed confidence that the industrial action was approaching an end.

‘Management, led by the Vice-Chancellor, remains committed to your welfare and to the restoration of normal academic activities,’ the statement said.

Nigeria’s maritime sector is poised for a sweeping transformation as the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria (IMION) and the Admiralty University of Nigeria (ADUN) have formalised a technical partnership.

The alliance was unveiled during IMION’s maiden visit to the ADUN campus in Ibusa, Delta State.

Uniting two premier institutions rooted in the traditions of the Nigerian Navy, the collaboration directly bridges the chasm between academic theory and real-world maritime imperatives.

During the visit, IMION Director-General, Rear Admiral Thaddeus Christopher Udofia (Rtd), presented the strategic roadmap to ADUN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Christopher Bankole Ndubuisi Ogbogbo.

‘This visit marks a new vista in our quest for excellence,’ Rear Admiral Udofia stated. ‘We are engineering a powerful synergy to deepen local capacity, shape industry regulations, and unlock the immense billion-dollar potential of Nigeria’s blue economy for national development.’

Dr Udofia commended the transformational strides and massive infrastructural expansion recorded at ADUN, describing the ongoing campus modernisation as remarkable and strategic.

Established in June 2024 by the Nigerian Navy, IMION has already trained over 500 C-suite executives and top government policymakers. To accelerate the momentum, the new pact introduces specialized executive programmes designed to advance global maritime knowledge, transitioning the partnership from theory to concrete field practice effective September 2026.

Similarly, IMION has invited ADUN’s leadership to its high-profile executive course, ‘Logistics and Trade Facilitation for Blue Economy Growth’. The programmes is to run from September 7 to 9, at the IMION Auditorium, NNS QUORRA Complex in Apapa, Lagos, with hybrid and virtual attendance options available for both local and international participants

Responding, Professor Ogbogbo warmly welcomed the IMION delegation, noting that the alliance is perfectly synchronised with the university’s capacity-building needs.

‘This partnership is exceptionally timely,’ Professor Ogbogbo stated. ‘ADUN will harvest profound benefits from IMION’s practical field knowledge, joint research opportunities, and advanced manpower development. This institutional support will immediately include the engagement of distinguished adjunct professors and visiting maritime scholars,’ he said.

Professor Ogbogbo also announced that ADUN naval architectural students will embark on an educational tour of shipbuilding facilities in Lagos and Port Harcourt to gain first-hand technical exposure.

Lagos State Chapter of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) has conferred its Outstanding Public Service Award on the Director of Safety Electronics and Engineering Services of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Terese Ihenachor.

According to her citation by the association, Ihenachor was recognised ‘for her outstanding commitment to engineering excellence, empowerment of women engineers and sustainable professional development.’

The award, which was presented during the maiden APWEN Lagos Engineering Summit, sought to celebrate women whose leadership is impacting women, advancing engineering, innovation and efficiency in public service.

Ihenachor made history in December 2023, when she became NAMA’s first female substantive Director of Safety Electronics and Engineering Services. Since assuming office, she has provided strategic direction for the maintenance, modernisation and reliability of the agency’s Communications, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management infrastructure nationwide.

Under her leadership, the directorate has recorded significant progress in the upgrade and deployment of critical communication, navigational and surveillance facilities required for safe, efficient and seamless flight operations in the nation’s airspace. She has strengthened the maintenance regime for safety-critical systems, enhanced technical planning and operational coordination, and prioritised the timely calibration of navigational aids to ensure their accuracy, integrity and conformity with applicable international standards.

A notable demonstration of her operational leadership was the recent deployment of a Mobile Control Tower at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, following a fire incident that affected critical air-ground communication infrastructure at the old terminal. The swift intervention ensured continuity of safe air navigation services at Nigeria’s busiest aviation hub.

Under her technical supervision, the facility was tested and adapted to Nigeria’s operational requirements through local innovations, including a smart flight-strip system and seamless connectivity with NAMA’s Centrex and Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria systems while arrangements have commenced for the deployment of another mobile tower to support Runway 18R.

Ihenachor joined the civil aviation sector in 1994 and rose through several technical and managerial positions, including General Manager, Workshop, Planning and Logistics before her appointment as Director.

She is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers and Nigerian Institute of Management. A former APWEN Secretary and Treasurer, she also founded the Girl-Child Engineer Initiative

Human rights lawyer and activist, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), and the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo, have urged eligible Nigerian voters to stand up and ensure the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

The duo advised citizens not to abandon the electoral process to politicians who are desperate to either perpetuate themselves in office or seize power. Instead, they urged Nigerians to secure their voter cards, exercise their franchise, and actively defend their votes.

They spoke on Thursday in Lagos at the 25th Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture, themed: ‘Democracy at the Crossroads: Electoral Credibility, Judicial Integrity and the Future of Nigeria.’

The keynote lecture was delivered by human rights activist, Mrs. Ayo Obe, who similarly advocated for active citizen participation and urged Nigerians to hold political office holders accountable.

Speaking at the event, held at the Muson Centre, Falana described Nigeria’s current democracy as a ‘mockery,’ stating that election riggers have grown confident due to years of enjoying total impunity.

He cited past elections, including the previous Osun State governorship election, where political actors and their agents openly threatened opponents and engaged in vote-buying without facing legal consequences.

He called on anti-graft agencies, security forces, and the judiciary to wake up to their responsibilities to save the nation’s democracy.

Condemning the scale of financial inducement at the polls, Falana alleged that between ?50 billion and ?110 billion was spent to purchase votes in Osun State alone.

He noted that per-vote payments rose from around ?5,000 in Ekiti to between ?20,000 and ?50,000 in Osun, warning that vote prices could hit ?100,000 per voter by 2027 if left unchecked.

Falana also faulted political parties for conducting rigged primaries through the imposition of ‘consensus’ candidates.

He warned that the resulting wave of litigation was dragging the judiciary into political disputes it is ill-equipped to resolve, exposing the courts to public ridicule.

He further claimed that many judges eagerly look forward to being part of election petition tribunals due to personal financial benefits.

Addressing socioeconomic issues, the activist argued that the government’s neoliberal policies have deepened poverty and inequality.

He urged authorities to strengthen poverty-reduction initiatives and tackle the insecurity and unemployment driving citizens’ vulnerability to electoral manipulation.

He maintained that under existing Nigerian law, cash transfers to the poor are a legal entitlement, not a favour.

‘Only Nigerians themselves can save democracy in our country,’ Falana emphasised, warning that the credibility of the 2027 polls will determine whether the nation progresses or slides deeper into crisis.

He also cautioned against looking abroad for salvation, taking a swipe at politicians calling on U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene in Nigeria’s democracy.

Falana argued that Trump’s own track record-including pressuring a Georgia election official to ‘find’ votes in 2020 and pardoning individuals convicted over the January 6 Capitol attack-disqualified him as a democratic role model.

In his remarks, Bishop Mike Okonkwo encouraged Nigerians to take the bull by the horns and consistently demand accountability.

‘We cannot as citizens afford to be unconcerned about the people who govern us. If we do, they will continue to do what they like and we will be helpless,’ the cleric said.

Bishop Okonkwo also cautioned against sweeping generalisations about judicial corruption, noting that judges usually decide cases based on the facts presented to them rather than sentiment.

‘That is why it is vital for those on the front lines, especially political party agents, to keep clear and accurate records of what transpires at polling stations and collation centres,’ he said.

He added that the adoption of technology has brought significant progress, ensuring that votes are increasingly being counted.

Comparing the political arena to a ‘shark-infested arena,’ the bishop urged citizens to remain resilient. ‘You cannot say you won’t vote. If you don’t vote, they will remain there, control your life, and determine how you live. We all have roles to play to make our democracy work,’ he concluded.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to the top three winners of this year’s Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition among secondary school students nationwide .

Agburum Clinton Chimenem of Deeper Life High School, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, clinched the first prize, winning ?800,000, a trophy, and a laptop. Alimi-Adeiga Mosorireoluwa of Holyland Senior College, Ipaja, Lagos, took second place, while Oloruntimilehin Elijah Oladipo of Isolo Comprehensive Senior High School, Lagos, finished third. The first and second runners-up received ?500,000 and ?400,000 respectively, along with laptops, while their respective schools were awarded desktop computers.

National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has released the results of the 2026 National Business Certificate (NBC) and National Technical Certificate (NTC) examinations, recording improved performance compared with the previous year.

A total of 100,069 candidates registered for the 2026 examinations, representing an increase of 7,193 candidates from the 92,876 who registered for the 2025 examination cycle.

The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NABTEB, Mohammed Mohammed, disclosed this while announcing the release of the 2026 NBC/NTC results to journalists in Benin City.

According to him, 97,867 candidates eventually sat for the examinations out of the 100,069 registered candidates.

Mohammed said 79,503 candidates, representing 81.24 per cent of those graded, obtained five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics.

He added that 89,580 candidates, representing 91.53 per cent, obtained five credits and above, with or without English Language and Mathematics.

The NABTEB boss also disclosed that 24,128 candidates, representing 24.65 per cent of those graded, were certified as craftsmen.

He attributed the performance to the board’s commitment to promoting practical skills acquisition, occupational competence and technical and vocational education.

Mohammed said the 2026 results represented a substantial improvement over the performance recorded in the May/June 2025 NBC/NTC examinations.

He noted that in 2025, 61,104 candidates, representing 68.18 per cent, obtained five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics, while 74,633 candidates, representing 83.28 per cent, obtained five credits and above, with or without English Language and Mathematics.

He described the improvement in the 2026 results as encouraging, saying it reflected the collective efforts of candidates, teachers, schools, parents and the wider education system.

‘These statistics provide useful indicators of performance; however, beyond the percentages lies the more important question of what these qualifications mean for the future of our young people and for Nigeria’s economic development,’ he said.

Mohammed further explained that the NBC/NTC examinations occupied an important position within Nigeria’s technical and vocational education and training ecosystem.

According to him, the examinations provide structured pathways through which young Nigerians can obtain certification after acquiring theoretical, practical, occupational and entrepreneurial competencies relevant to the world of work and further academic progression.

He said the results underscored the growing relevance of business and technical education in preparing Nigerian youths with practical skills capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.

The NABTEB registrar added that the future of the nation would not be built by certificates alone but by the knowledge, character, competence and productive application of the skills those certificates represent.

The President of MAAUN Group of Universities, Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, has congratulated Vice President Kashim Shettima on his 60th birthday, describing him as an accomplished leader, bridge-builder and achiever.

The MAAUN president further said Shettima’s contributions to nation-building had earned the confidence reposed in him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a partner in advancing the country’s development.

Gwarzo, in a congratulatory message, commended Shettima’s contributions to national development and his record of service in both the private and public sectors.

Gwarzo also praised Shettima’s reputation as a bridge-builder and advocate of peace, unity and development, describing his record as worthy of commendation.

He said the Vice President remained a worthy example to younger Nigerians and an inspiration to those seeking to contribute meaningfully to the development of the country.

According to him, Shettima has risen through the ranks and consistently demonstrated capacity for leadership across different spheres of public life.

He said Shettima’s progression from banking to public service, where he served as a commissioner, governor of Borno State, senator and eventually Vice President of Nigeria, demonstrated his experience, dedication and commitment to national service.

‘Your Excellency, on behalf of my family and the entire MAAUN community, I wish to warmly congratulate you on the occasion of your 60th birthday,’ Gwarzo said.

He noted that attaining the age of 60 was a significant milestone, particularly in view of the Vice President’s accomplishments and contributions to the country.

‘Your achievements as a banker, Commissioner, Governor of Borno State, Senator, and Vice President demonstrate your capacity for leadership and your ability to serve effectively in different spheres of public life,’ he said.

Gwarzo prayed for the Vice President to be granted many more years in good health, wisdom, peace and continued success.

‘May He strengthen you with greater capacity to serve the nation and grant you many happy returns of the day,’ he added.

He wished Shettima a long, fulfilling and impactful life in the service of humanity and Nigeria.

A former President of the African Shipowners Association (ASA), Captain Ladi Olubowale, has lauded Dangote Group over the company’s plan to acquire vessels to distribute all its products across West and Central Africa, urging the conglomerate to consider medium- and long-term Contracts of Affreightment (COAs), time-charter arrangements and other bankable cargo commitments to technically boost indigenous shipping in Nigeria.

Speaking in an interactive session with selected maritime journalists, Captain Ladi Olubowale, said there is nothing inherently wrong with Dangote Group owning vessels but should consider giving part of the cargo requirements to competent Nigerian shipowners to lift.

Olubowale said, ‘There is nothing inherently wrong with the Dangote Group owning vessels. A major industrial organisation must secure its supply chain and move its products efficiently and competitively.

‘But I believe there is a greater opportunity. Rather than building an entirely vertically integrated shipping system in which the industrial producer ultimately owns most of the vessels carrying its products, part of that cargo requirements could be deliberately structured to develop competent Nigerian shipowners.

‘This can be achieved through firm, medium- and long-term Contracts of Affreightment (COAs), time-charter arrangements and other bankable cargo commitments awarded to technically qualified indigenous operators.’

Olubowale, who is the Managing Director of Seamate Group, maintained that the planned acquisition has exposed Nigeria’s inadequate indigenous vessel capacity.

‘We have already seen the consequences of Nigeria’s inadequate indigenous vessel capacity. When Nigerian operators do not possess vessels of the appropriate size, specification and operational capability required by major cargo owners, commerce will not wait for us. The cargo will move. And somebody else’s ships will carry it,’ Captain Olubowale said.

He said in shipping, cargo is the foundation upon which fleets are built, expressing confidence that the enormous cargo from Dangote’s industrial operations could become the catalyst for building a new generation of Nigerian shipowners and positioning Nigeria as a major African shipping hub.

‘I believe it can. And if properly structured, the economic impact could extend far beyond Dangote, beyond the maritime industry and even beyond Nigeria,’ he said.

On ship acquisition, Captain Ladi Olubowale spoke against the idea of buying a ship simply because financing is available.

He said if shipowner wants to buy a cargo worth of $25 million and approaches a bank, the immediate questions will be on vessel type, what trade, the charterer, the cargo, the contract terms, loan repayment, etc.

According to him, ‘Shipping is attached to trade. Before acquiring a vessel, a serious shipowner must understand the cargo, its volume, the route, frequency, vessel specification, charter structure and duration of the commercial opportunity. Once there is identifiable cargo backed by a firm, long-term contract, vessel financing becomes a significantly more bankable proposition.

‘And Nigeria has cargo. Oil and gas generate cargo. Agriculture generates cargo. Cement generates cargo. Fertiliser generates cargo. Manufacturing generates cargo. The Dangote Refinery generates cargo on a scale capable of influencing regional maritime trade. The challenge is converting these cargo opportunities into sustainable Nigerian shipping capacity.

‘But imagine the same Nigerian shipowner approaching that financial institution with a firm multi-year cargo contract from a major industrial company such as Dangote. That is a fundamentally different financing proposition. The cargo becomes the foundation of the financing. The contract gives visibility to future earnings. The vessel becomes connected to an identifiable trade. The lender has greater visibility over repayment. And the shipowner has an opportunity to build a sustainable business rather than merely acquire an expensive asset.’

After spending 68 days away from the classroom, students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo, on Thursday took to the streets to protest the continued closure of the institution.

The protesting students blocked all the major roads around the university town, demanding an immediate end to the prolonged industrial action by the university workers.

The protest, led by the Students’ Union Government (SUG), saw the students barricade the university’s main gate and adjoining roads linking the institution to the major highway.

They expressed frustration over the prolonged disruption of their academic programmes and uncertainty over when classes would resume.

The students, armed with placards with various inscriptions such as ‘Don’t waste our life and time , ‘ ASUU, NASU, NAAT, SSANU have mercy ‘Enough is Enough.’ among others, called on the government, university management and other relevant stakeholders to urgently resolve the issues and reopen the university for academic activities.

Speaking with journalists during the protest, the SUG President, Comrade Folagbade Ayoola, said the students had reached their limit after weeks of remaining at home without any clear indication of when academic activities would resume.

Ayoola said the situation had become particularly difficult for students who continued to bear the financial burden of their education while the workers whose services they depended on were reportedly owed salaries.

He said, ‘We cannot keep silent because we are really facing challenges in our university. Imagine students having to pay school fees while lecturers’ salaries are not being paid.

‘ASUU had demands before the government, but after a series of meetings and the failure to get the necessary response, the union embarked on an indefinite strike.’

According to him, repeated assurances had failed to produce a concrete solution, forcing the students to take their grievances to the streets.

‘We keep hearing promises and pushing for a solution, but nothing concrete has happened. At this point, we have no other option than to come out and make our voices heard.

‘Until the strike is called off, we are not going to back down. We will continue to protest and use every legitimate means possible to ensure that our voices are heard,’ he said.

The SUG General Secretary, Oluwatimileyin Amos, said the prolonged closure had left students in a state of confusion, particularly those in their final stages of study who were waiting to write examinations and complete their programmes.

‘We have been on strike for 68 days now, and something needs to be done. We need an immediate resolution and action because our students are suffering.

‘This is an injury to one and an injury to all, so we are calling on students to solidarise with us and let our voices be heard,’ Amos said.

He said the situation had also created uncertainty over accommodation, movement and other personal arrangements, as students were unsure when the institution would reopen.

‘Students are in a dilemma. They do not know whether to travel or stay back. This has caused a lot of hardship for students, especially the pending graduates whose examinations are approaching.

‘We need the strike to be called off with immediate resolution.

For over 60 days now, we have been at home. We have tried our best by engaging the management and important stakeholders who we believe can intervene and ensure that the strike is called off.

‘We are not asking for too much. We just want to resume and continue our academic activities. We urge the government to do the needful and end this strike,’ he said.

He appealed to the students to remain peaceful while the union continued its efforts to resolve the crisis.

A 500-level student, Ogungbade James, appealed to the government and other stakeholders to resolve the outstanding issues, saying students, particularly those nearing graduation, were bearing the brunt of the prolonged industrial action.

He urged the authorities to act urgently to ensure that the students returned to campus and were allowed to complete their academic programmes without further delay.