Wednesday, August 28, 2024 -The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, have called on President Bola Tinubu to fulfil his promise of providing buses for student unions in the country.
The Zonal Coordinators of the group, Comrades Bilal Lawal Kurfi, Northwest, Daniel Friday Egga, Zone C, Alao John, Zone D, Bappa Hassan Adam, Zone E and Chidi Nzekwe, Southeast, in a statement on Wednesday, urged the President not to forget his promise, as it was affecting the students.
“The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zonal Coordinators wish
to express our deep displeasure and concern regarding the recent developments
surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s promise to provide buses for student union
bodies in government-owned universities, colleges of education, and
polytechnics nationwide. This promise, which was announced on July 13th, 2023,
by the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications &
Strategy, Mr. Dele Alake, was welcomed with high hopes and expectations by the
entire student community.
“However, it is
disappointing to note that several months have passed, and the promised buses
have not been fully provided to the respective institutions.
“President Tinubu’s
administration, as outlined in the statement, emphasized the importance of
easing the burden of transportation costs for students, especially in light of
the escalating fuel prices due to the removal of fuel subsidies. The initiative
was seen as a critical intervention to alleviate the financial strain on
students and their families. The President’s vision was clear: to ensure that
no student is left behind due to economic challenges, and that accessing
education remains a fundamental 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 aimed to resolve. The
delay or lack of implementation raises serious concerns about the commitment of
the government to the welfare of its citizens, particularly the youths who are
the future of this nation.
“As Zonal Coordinators of
NANS, we believe that a government that makes promises must also fulfill those
promises. A government’s credibility is built on trust and the ability to
deliver on its commitments. When promises are made and not kept, it not only
erodes the trust of the people but also undermines the very foundation of
governance and accountability.
“We, therefore, call on
President Bola Tinubu to act swiftly and ensure that the promise made to
Nigerian students is 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 deliver on this
promise.
“Furthermore, we implore the
President to maintain vigilance over the administration of federal
universities, ensuring that there are no arbitrary increases in school fees or
other charges that could further burden students. The President’s commitment to
education should be reflected in tangible actions that directly benefit the
student body.
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