The Zonal Coordinator of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed concern over the delay in fulfilling President Bola Tinubu’s promise to student union bodies in the country.
The President on July 13, 2023, promised to provide buses for student union bodies in state-owned universities, colleges of education and polytechnics across the country.
The plan is aimed at easing the financial burden on students and their families.
However, the delay has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens, especially young people.
In a statement on Wednesday, the coordinators urged the president not to forget his promise, saying the delay was not in the students’ interests.
The statement was signed by Comrade Bilal Lawal Kurfi (North West), Daniel Friday Egga (Zone C), Alao John (Zone D), Bappa Hassan Adam (Zone E) and Chidi Nzekwe (South East).
They urged President Tinubu to continue to be vigilant in federal universities and prevent any increase in school fees or arbitrary levies that could further burden students.
The statement read: “The Zonal Coordinators of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) wish to express our deep displeasure and concern over the recent developments surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s promise to provide buses for students’ union bodies in government-owned universities, colleges of education and polytechnics across the country.
“This promise, announced on July 13, 2023, by the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communication & Strategy, Mr. Dele Alake, was greeted with high hopes and expectations by the entire student community.
“However, it is very unfortunate that several months have passed and the promised buses have not been fully provided to each institution.
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“President Tinubu’s administration, as outlined in the statement, has emphasized the importance of easing the burden of transportation costs for students, especially in light of the ever-increasing fuel prices resulting from the removal of fuel subsidies. The initiative is seen as a critical intervention to ease the financial burden on students and their families. The President’s vision is clear: to ensure that no student is left behind due to economic challenges, and that access to education remains a basic right, not a privilege limited by financial constraints.
“However, the failure to fully deliver on this promise has left students and their families grappling with the same transportation challenges the initiative was intended to address. The delay or lack of implementation raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to the well-being of its citizens, especially the youth who are the future of this nation.
“As NANS Zone Coordinators, we believe that a government that makes promises must also fulfill them. The credibility of a government is built on trust and the ability to fulfill its commitments. When promises are made and not kept, it not only erodes people’s trust but also damages the foundation of governance and accountability.
“We therefore call on President Bola Tinubu to act swiftly and ensure that the promises made to Nigerian students are fulfilled without further delay. The provision of these buses is not just a matter of convenience, but a critical need that affects the daily lives and academic success of students across the country. We urge the President to remember his words and take immediate action to fulfill this promise.
“In addition, we ask the President to continue to supervise the management of state universities, ensuring that there are no increases in school fees or other levies that could burden students. The President’s commitment to education must be reflected in real actions that directly benefit students.
“In closing, we, the NANS Zonal Coordinators, stand firm in our position that the present Government must live up to its promises. We expect the President to uphold the trust placed in him by Nigerian students and act on his promises. The time for action is now, and we are watching closely. The welfare of Nigerian students must remain a top priority, and we expect full commitment from the President and his administration.”
NANS zonal coordinator urges Tinubu to fulfill promise to students union body first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.
