Students from various universities in Ogun State block the busy Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway at Obada axis, carrying placards demanding an end to the ongoing ASUU strike that has paralyzed academic activities nationwide.
Nigeria’s education crisis reached a new flashpoint on Wednesday as hundreds of frustrated university students shut down the busy Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, prompting urgent intervention from the House of Representatives and renewed calls for immediate resolution of the prolonged Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike.
The dramatic protest, which brought vehicular traffic to a complete standstill along one of Southwest Nigeria’s most critical transportation corridors, marked a significant escalation in student demonstrations against the federal government’s handling of the education sector crisis that has left millions of students idle for over three months.
Scores of students in Ogun state, under the aegis of National Association of Nigerian Student, Ogun State Joint Campus Committee, invaded the Obada axis of the highway with placards chanting anti-government songs, effectively paralyzing commercial and private transportation along the route that connects Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, with Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Parliamentary Intervention
“There is something that is still left out and I want to use this opportunity and beg our Chairmen of Committees on Labour and Education to expedite action on the resolution of the crisis in the education industry. This will go a long way in helping our citizens.”
Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase
In an unprecedented move during Wednesday’s plenary session, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase, who presided over the session, mandated chairmen of the House Committees on Education and Labour to resolve the crisis, failing which the leadership of the parliament would step into the matter.
The parliamentary intervention represents the highest level of legislative engagement in the education crisis since the strike began in February, signaling growing political pressure on both the federal government and ASUU to find common ground.
The National Assembly building in Abuja, where parliamentary leaders are now directly intervening in the ASUU-government deadlock.
Student Protest Details
- Location: Obada axis of Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway
- Organizers: National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun State Joint Campus Committee
- Duration: Several hours, causing major traffic disruption
- Participants: Hundreds of university students from multiple institutions
- Impact: Complete shutdown of highway traffic, stranded motorists and travelers
The protesters displayed a variety of placards with pointed messages directed at both the federal government and ASUU leadership. The placards bore inscriptions such as “End ASUU Strike now”, “Enough is Enough”, “Nigerian Students are suffering” and “FG listen to ASUU”, reflecting the deep frustration and desperation felt by students across the country.
The demonstration effectively brought one of Nigeria’s busiest commercial routes to a standstill, with many motorists stranded as travellers were trapped, highlighting the far-reaching economic and social implications of the ongoing education sector crisis.
Student Leadership Speaks Out
“It is unfortunate that the Federal government is playing politics with the lives of Nigerian students. We have been clamouring from time past ever since the commencement of this ASUU strike that something should be done with immediate effect, but it is obvious that both the Federal government and ASUU have decided to turn deaf ears to our agitations.”
— Kehinde Simeon, Ogun State Chairman of NANS
Speaking for the students, NANS Chairman Kehinde Simeon warned the strike extension could worsen Nigeria’s security by idling millions.
Education stakeholders fear prolonged youth idleness may lead to crime, unrest, and deeper social problems across the country.
High-Level Government Meeting Scheduled
Chief of Staff Prof. Gambari and Minister Ngige will lead Thursday’s key meeting with ASUU and other university unions.
The meeting aims to address the crisis through dialogue between government, ASUU, and all registered university trade unions.
Described as “Tripartite-Plus,” the meeting includes civil society and interest groups for a broader, inclusive resolution effort.
High-level government meetings like the one scheduled for Thursday represent critical moments in resolving the ongoing education sector crisis.
Senate Also Promises Intervention
The National Assembly’s intervention is not limited to the House of Representatives. President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, had earlier on Tuesday said the Senate would intervene in the lingering dispute by bringing back the two parties to the negotiation table.
Lawan promised the National Association of Nigerian Students’ executives, who visited his office with Methodist Bishop Dr. Sunday Onuoha, highlighting the multi-faceted pressure to resolve the crisis.
The Broader Context
ASUU’s strike since February 2022 demands better funding, staff conditions, and enforcement of past agreements with the federal government.
The strike has disrupted millions of students’ lives, causing academic delays, financial strain, and emotional stress for families nationwide.
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