The apex student body issued the threat following the extension of the strike by ASUU for 12 weeks.
The NANS’ National President, Sunday Asefon, in a statement made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti, on Monday, described the extension as a signal that the federal government under President Muhammadu Buhari was grossly insensitive to the plights of the Nigerian students.
The NANS said, “The three months extension of the strike is totally condemnable. The failure of the government to reach an agreement with ASUU underscores their lack of concern and empathy for the plight of the common men and women of our nation who couldn’t afford private tertiary institutions.
“Having exhausted all windows of constructive engagement with the government. I, on behalf of the national leadership of NANS, therefore, declare National Action from tomorrow May 10.
“The National Actions is tagged “Operation Test Run” Operation Test Run shall be held in all the 36 State of the Federation. Federal Roads across the 36 States shall be occupied for a minimum of three hours daily .
“The Operation shall be a precursor to a total shutdown that will be decided during our Senate meeting/pre-convention on Saturday 14th May 2022.
“Our decision from the pre-convention shall be binding. The action shall be total as the extension of the ASUU strike is a direct declaration of war by the Federal Government against university students in Nigeria”, he stated.
To this end, Asefon posited that NANS is to begin what he tagged ‘Operation Test Run’ across the nation beginning from May 10, which will serve as a precursor to total blockage of major roads in all the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
Asefon, who expressed anger over the extension, said the students could no longer tolerate the continued closure of the public universities across the nation and vowed to take decisive steps to confront the FG on the lingering matter.
Asefon added that part of the proposal to be reached at the NANS’ congress slated for May 14, shall be total blockage of the airport roads across the country and total disruption of political party primaries.
“We are also planning blockage of the national assembly until they are committed to passing legislation banning public office holders from sending their children to universities abroad.
“We, therefore, advise divisive elements or paid agents of the government to stay clear of our actions as the consequences shall be severe.
“By this release, all JCC Chairmen, Zonal Leaderships and Stakeholders are directed to act appropriately and ensure total compliance to the directive of “Operation Test Run” Shut down the Federal Roads in Your State, the nation must feel the heat.
“I, therefore, call on NLC, TUC and Civil Society organisation to join us to savage the remaining crackers of our public tertiary education in Nigeria”.
