NOUN vs Law School: NANS gives Nigerian govt ultimatum

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued three months ultimatum to the Federal Government to admit Law graduates of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) into the Nigerian Law School. ‎

‎The students’ body gave the ultimatum in a statement signed by ‎Taiwo Bamigbade, NANS Senate President and Abdulakeem Rufai‎, Clerk of the association on Thursday in Abuja.‎‎
‎‎
They said NANS had patiently watched how after five years of graduation, the NOUN law graduates had been denied admission into the Nigerian Law School as provided in the NOUN students handbook, which is a legally binding contract.‎

‎The students said that NANS had through a communiqué addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari called on him to use his good offices to ensure the matter was resolved.
‎
‎”We make bold to remind you, Sir, that the university was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria, accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
‎
“Of course, NANS as a body is not concerned on the continuation of law programme in NOUN if opposed by the professional bodies.

“But we strongly disagree that those innocent Nigerian students, who suffered themselves with their hard earned money to undertake an accredited course of study in NOUN as promoted by the Federal Government, will in any way be jeopardized. We say NO, NO and NO.‎

‎”We state categorically that any injury to one Nigerian student is an injury to all Nigerian students and youths in general.

“In the light of this, NANS as a body will no matter the price fight against this prolonged injustice, intimidation and mischief.

“If after the forthcoming August 2018 admission, the innocent NOUN law graduates are still excluded from lists of intakes into the Nigerian Law School, ‎thus use this three months ultimatum to do the needful.‎‎
‎
“We, therefore, implore you Sir, to use your good offices as a matter of urgency to resolve the lingering crisis as NANS will no longer tolerate any excuses or tactical delays.”‎
‎
‎The students’ umbrella also recommended to the Federal Government to close down the two institutions: NOUN and Nigerian Law School, if they had become tools of oppression against the Nigerian students.

NAN reports that the letter was copied to the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki and Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara.

Others are: The Minister of Education; Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission; Director-General, Nigerian Law School and the Vice-Chancellor, NOUN