Nigerian Lawyers
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a notice of mass actions over the protracted crisis between the Council of Legal Education (CLE) and National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). The student body said it will shut down Abuja during the planned protest.
It said the crisis had hindered the law graduates of the university from admission into the Nigerian Law School for over five years.
A statement by the National Vice President (External affairs) of the association, Mr Taiwo Bamigbade, and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, said the protest would begin on Aug. 27 and would be in two phases
Bamigbade said that the association had earlier written a letter to notify President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday over the crisis.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the student body had issued a three months ultimatum to the Federal Government on May 23 to admit the Law graduates from NOUN into the Nigerian Law school.
NANS described as unfortunate that its 3-month ultimatum to the federal government received no attention, despite the plight of NOUN law students for the past 5 years instead it continued with gimmicks.
“Sequel to our petition dated 23rd May, 2018 in respect of the intimidations, injustices and inhumanity to man meted out to students that were offered admission and graduated in the faculty of law of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
“As stated previously, it amounts to fraud, deceit, discrimination and mischief against the Nigerian students and inhumanity to vulnerable citizens, especially the youths to formally admit, graduate and issue them deficient certificates after several years of study despite financial implication.
“We will commence our mass actions with Phase-1 in the Federal Capital Territory from 27th to 31th August.
“Consequently, we have decided that enough is enough and shall inevitably shut down the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, against any public activities taking place in the period.
NANS Vice President, Bamigbade stated that the phase-1 protest which would be a 5-day mass action will take place in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, while phase 2 will take place on October 1.
NAN also recalls that the judgment of Justice Hilary Oshomah of the Federal High Court. Port-Harcourt, Rivers, on October 4 , 2017, hands-off the matter to the academia to resolve.
The bodies include the National Universities Commission (NUC), Council of Legal Education (CLE) and the Federal Ministry of Education.
However, the decision of the court did not go down well with the NOUN, Law Graduates Forum, who stated that the court unconsciously renounced its jurisdiction on all academic and students’ matters.
The forum also frowned at the nonchalant attitude of the three academic bodies in resolving the misunderstanding despite the judgment.
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.
