Court strikes out law suit instituted by NANS against ASUU
The National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja has expunged the law suit filed against the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), by the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Umar Lawal Faruk.
Faruk had filed the suit on behalf of himself and the association, asking the court to compel the academic union to call off its seven-month-old strike and return to school. He argued that the strike action affects students’ right to education and has caused damage to Nigerian students as they have lost valuable time and opportunity in their educational and career pursuits.
However, his lawyer, Debo Ikuesan withdrew the case on the grounds that NANS is challenging Faruk’s position as its president, and denying that he is their leader as claimed.
Also, counsel to ASUU, Marshal Abubakar also informed the court that he is not opposing the application to withdraw the suit.
The presiding judge, Justice Polycarp Hamman struck out the suit on Tuesday, September 27.
The outgoing President of the student body, Sunday Asefon, had approached the court claiming that Umar Lawal does not have the mandate of NANS to commence the action. He said Umar Lawal had contested and lost the position of National President of NANS.
