NASU, SSANU strike: Students resist attempt to stop exams

Students of University of Calabar (UNICAL), yesterday, resisted an attempt by striking Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institution (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) to stop examinations from taking place.

This took place on the first day of a seven- day warning strike declared by NASU and SSANU over non-payment of their four months’ salary.

The union had barricaded the main gate of the university, preventing staff and students from gaining entrance into the institution.

This resulted in a fight when the Students Union president and other students tried to stop the union from entering into the examination halls.

The students, led by the SUG President, God’s Gift Kachi, also protested to the Vice Chancellor’s office, threatening to attack the NASU building if prevented from writing their examinations.

Responding, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Florence Obi, appealed to the students to remain calm, assuring them that their examinations would continue.

She also called on the students to be peaceful in their protest and not to destroy any school property, which might have dire consequences.

In her address, NASU Chairperson, Victoria Orok-Asuquo, said: “We are suffering and we have passed through all necessary procedures before embarking on the strike.

“We are not against the Federal Government paying the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) because it is their right, which they worked for; all we are saying is that we should also be paid what we are being owed.”

“If this is not done, we will make the environment uncomfortable for everyone, including ourselves,” she said.