The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Ondo State government led by Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa to fulfil his promises of providing palliatives and buses for the student union bodies in the state.
The leadership of the NANS JCC in the state, while considering the challenges the state’s institutions are facing, urged the government not to forget its promise, saying delaying fulfilling the promise was not in the interest of the state’s students.
Addressing a press conference in Akure, the state capital, the leadership of the students’ Joint Campus Council Ondo axis, led by Comrade Oluwarotimi Tobiloba Joshua and Comrade Oluwanishola Ajibola, General Secretary, said they have yet to receive twelve buses for student mobility across the state.
Those in attendance are the student leaders from Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo (RUGIPO), Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Federal University Of Technology Akure (FUTA), Ondo State College Of Health Technology (CHTA), Federal College Of Agriculture Akure (FECA), Adeyemi Federal University Of Education (AFUED), Olusegun Agagu University Of Science and Technology Okitipupa (OAUSTECH), University Of Medical Sciences Ondo (UNIMED) and Federal Polytechnic Ile-Oluji (FEDPOLEL).
While thanking Governor Aiyedatiwa for the recent approval and disbursement of bursaries and scholarships for the Indigenous students, the student leaders appealed to the state government to consider the challenges institutions are currently facing in the country.
Comrade Oluwarotimi said, “The recent fuel price hike has drastically affected students’ daily lives. Transportation costs have skyrocketed, making it difficult for students to commute between their hostels and schools.
“The increase in shuttle fares has placed an additional financial burden on struggling students. Additionally, the sharp rise in food prices has worsened the economic strain on students, many of whom depend on minimal allowances from their families.
“Furthermore, the steep rise in the dollar’s exchange rate is concerning, and we urge President Tinubu-led administration to act swiftly in addressing this.’’
