The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC), Ondo Axis and the National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS), on Thursday convened in Akure, the Ondo state capital, for a pivotal meeting aimed at fostering unity and collaboration.
The objective of the meeting was to ensure that the voices of students in Ondo State and beyond are heard and to deliberate extensively on the various challenges currently facing Nigerian students in the state.
The communique at the end of the meeting was endorsed by Comrade Oluwarotimi Tobiloba Joshua, Comrade Oluwanishola Ajibola and Comrade Kehinde Blessing.
The meeting witnessed the attendance of key student leaders including the NANS JCC Ondo Chairman, Comrade Oluwarotimi Tobiloba Joshua, and his Vice Chairman on Special Duties, Comrade Oladapo Emmanuel Oluwatobi.
The National President of NAOSS, Distinguished Senator Oyelade Ahmed, and his Deputy, Comrade Ogunga Benjamin, were also present. Additionally, the NAOSS South West Coordinator, Senator Ganiyu Yusuf, was in attendance.
During the meeting, several crucial issues were discussed, with a commitment to finding timely and effective solutions to them.
One of the major topics was the issue of mobility among institutions. The leaders recognized the need for improved transportation systems to facilitate easier and more efficient movement for students between campuses.
This is particularly important to enhance collaboration and participation in inter-campus activities and events. The leaders urged the Ondo State government to hasten the release of the buses promised to the students, for which 70% of the payment has already been made, to aid student movement and other external activities.
Another significant point of discussion at the meeting was the sudden change from the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ondo State, Kelvin Solomon Olaolu.
The leaders expressed concerns about the implications of this change on student affairs and sought to address any potential disruptions it might cause. They emphasized the importance of maintaining a stable and supportive relationship with the government to ensure the continuous advancement of student interests.
The student leaders charged the SSA to respectfully and rightfully cease bypassing established protocols when advocating for the students in Ondo State and beyond.
“Henceforth, he should follow the proper channels of interaction with Nigerian students through the elected student leaders piloting the affairs of their respective associations.”
The student leaders however discussed the hike in tuition fees in institutions.
They urged the state government to reduce the fees due to the rising cost of goods and services in the nation, which according to them is putting additional financial strain on students and their families.
They also called for the government to ensure adequate security within the student community and to provide necessary health equipment to improve healthcare services for students.
The issue of shunning cultism and other immoral and illicit activities was also addressed.
While the student leaders emphasised the need for students to steer clear of negative influences and focus on their education the need for improved infrastructure in educational institutions, enhanced security measures to protect students, and the provision of adequate welfare services.
The leaders at the meeting underscored the importance of these issues and pledged to work collaboratively to advocate for and implement necessary changes.
The leaders also deliberated on strategies to amplify the voices of students in Ondo State and ensure that their concerns are effectively communicated to relevant authorities.
Adding that they recognised the power of unity and resolved to strengthen their collaboration to create a formidable front that can effectively champion the rights and interests of students.
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