NANS threatens a mass protest to Makurdi if Benue doesn't resolve strikes and reopen five tertiary institutions closed for over two months due to disputes with COEASU and ASUP over unpaid salaries.
Makurdi, Benue State — September 23, 2026
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a five-day ultimatum to the Benue State Government, demanding it resolve ongoing disputes with staff unions and reopen five tertiary institutions closed for over two months, or face a mass student mobilisation to Makurdi.
In a statement Tuesday, NANS said it had directed all its structures to begin immediate preparations for a mass protest should the government fail to meet its demands by September 25.
The prolonged closure stems from strikes by the state chapters of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), both of which downed tools over unpaid salaries, poor working conditions, and other welfare grievances, echoing similar disputes at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University earlier this year.
NANS said the closure had caused significant hardship, with many students forced to remain at home for months without any academic activity, and warned it would escalate to a nationwide student protest if the state government continues to fail to act within the stipulated timeframe. Efforts to reach the Benue State Government for comment were unsuccessful as of this report.
This marks the second major education standoff this outlet has covered in Benue State this year, adding pressure on an administration already managing a security crisis, a contentious ranching-policy standoff, and mounting political tension ahead of 2027, all while facing renewed criticism over its handling of basic public services.
More on Education