The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Ondo State Government to fulfill its promise of providing palliatives and education grants to students of tertiary institutions in the state.
The student body in the state said this appeal is necessary to alleviate the suffering of students amid the current economic hardship.
Addressing a press conference in Akure, the state capital, the leadership of the students’ Joint Campus Council, Ondo axis, led by its President, Comrade Joshua Oluwarotimi, and General Secretary, Comrade Oluwanishola Ajibola, stated that the state government has failed to deliver on its promise to provide twelve buses for student transportation across the state.
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The students, who called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to fulfill his promises, urged the state government not to delay further, considering the challenges facing all institutions in the state, and asked that the promises be fulfilled in the interest of the students.
While thanking Aiyedatiwa for the recent approval and disbursement of bursaries and scholarships for indigenous students, the student leaders appealed to the state government to consider the challenges currently facing institutions across the country.
Oluwarotimi said , “The recent fuel price hike has had drastic effects on the daily lives of students.
“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 students already struggling.
“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.
“Many students also rely on generators for power due to erratic electricity supply, and the increased cost of fuel has made it nearly impossible to sustain this. Prolonged darkness and disruptions to studies are now common.
“We must also highlight the unfulfilled promises and growing concerns.
“The Ondo State Government, under the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, pledged to provide twelve buses for student mobility across the state. Though 70% of the funds for the project were reportedly paid, these buses are yet to arrive.
“Recently, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Affairs, Hon. Kevin Solomon Olaolu, reassured us that the buses would arrive soon.
“The palliative initiatives meant to alleviate hunger and hardship promised by the Ondo State Government have not been fulfilled. Students eagerly await the distribution of palliatives, but none have been received so far.
“This neglect only worsens the difficult circumstances faced by students.
“The recent increase in tuition fees across state institutions is another pressing concern.
Amidst a national economic crisis, this additional financial burden is unbearable. We urge the Ondo State Government to reconsider the fee hike and provide financial relief to students.”
In attendance were 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), and Federal College of Agriculture, Akure (FECA).
Others included student leaders from 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).
