The National Association of University Students (NAUS), South-West Zone has said the newly registered academic associations, Congress of Nigeria University Academics (CONUA), and the National Association of Medical and Dentistry Academics (NAMDA) will pose greater threats to universities’ progress.

According to a statement signed by the South-West NAUS Vice-President, Adesoji Oladimeji, the registration of other rival academic unions will pose a great threat to the university community.

The statement read, “The attempt of the Federal Government through the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, to defy the Academic Staff Union of Universities by presenting a certificate of registration to other rival academic unions is a mere distraction and the divide and conquer method will pose a great threat to the university community.”

It further emphasized, “The legal process embarked upon by the FG is seen as an arrant joke, abuse of office and an action to jeopardise negotiations with ASUU and not with the interest of student’s heart.”

Olamideji, in the statement further described the attitude and actions of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige as unprofessional and uncouth, saying it could jeopardise the negotiation process with the Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU).

However, NAUS appealed to other unions to show solidarity so that the industrial strike could end and students would be able to resume back to school.