The Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC), Ondo State Axis, Comrade Oluwarotimi Tobiloba Joshua (JOSH), on September 14, 2024, addressed the nation in a significant press conference aired on TVC and Channels Television. Surrounded by his executive cabinet and Senators representing various higher institutions across Ondo State, Comrade Joshua outlined the urgent challenges Nigerian students are grappling with. His remarks were a clarion call to both the Federal and Ondo State Governments to take swift action to alleviate the hardships that have befallen students, particularly due to the recent economic shifts in the country.
In his address, Comrade Joshua focused on the severe impact of the recent fuel price hike on Nigerian students. He pointed out that the increase in fuel prices has led to a sharp rise in transportation costs, particularly affecting students who have to shuttle between their homes and campuses daily. With shuttle fares becoming almost unaffordable, students are forced to bear additional financial burdens in a time of national economic instability.
“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. Additionally, the incessant rise in food prices has worsened the economic strain on students, many of whom depend on minimal allowances from their families,” he said.
Comrade Joshua also expressed concern over the steep rise in the exchange rate, which has further deepened the economic woes of students and their families. The ongoing economic crisis, according to him, has left students in a vulnerable position where even basic needs like food, transportation, and educational materials are becoming increasingly unaffordable. He called on the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to act swiftly in reversing the fuel price hike and implementing policies that would ease the economic hardships faced by Nigerian students.
“We urge the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to act swiftly in addressing these issues. Immediate intervention is necessary to alleviate the burden on Nigerian students and ensure they can continue their education without undue hardship,” he urged.
Turning his attention to the Ondo State Government, Comrade Joshua emphasized the need for the state administration to fulfill its promises to the student body. While he expressed gratitude to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for the recent approval and disbursement of bursaries and scholarships for Ondo State indigenous students, he noted that several other commitments remain unmet, thereby compounding the difficulties faced by students.
Addressing the incident that occurred at Adekunle Ajasin University on September 10, 2024, Comrade Joshua clarified that after a thorough investigation, it was found that reports of violence were untrue. However, tensions did arise during an empowerment program organized by Hon. Gboyega Adefarati, a Member of the House of Representatives representing Akoko South West and East Federal Constituency. During the event, the Students Union President of the university had attempted to remind the governor of his promise to dualize the road leading to the university’s Permanent Site, but the situation escalated when thugs caused unrest on campus, forcing the governor’s security aides to use teargas to ensure his safety.
Beyond infrastructure, Comrade Joshua called on the Ondo State Government to deliver on its promise to provide twelve buses for tertiary institutions across the state. He stressed that transportation is a major challenge for students, and the absence of these buses has exacerbated their daily struggles. He also drew attention to the government’s unfulfilled promise of distributing palliatives meant to alleviate hunger and hardship among students. Despite assurances, no palliatives have been received, and students continue to suffer under the weight of these unmet expectations.
“The increase in tuition fees across state institutions is another pressing concern. Amidst a national economic crisis, this additional financial burden is unbearable. We urge Ondo State Government to reconsider the fee hike and provide financial relief to students,” Comrade Joshua added.
He concluded by urging the state government to prioritize the welfare of its students and address the urgent needs of transportation support, palliative distribution, and tuition relief. According to him, the failure to deliver on these key commitments highlights a troubling lack of accountability.
“In view of the above-mentioned, we call on Ondo State Government to focus on the welfare of its students as promised. Failure to deliver on key commitments, such as transportation support, palliative distribution, and tuition reduction, highlights a troubling lack of accountability,” Comrade Joshua declared.
In his closing remarks, Comrade Joshua emphasized that the National Association of Nigerian Students, Joint Campus Council, Ondo State Axis demands immediate action from both the Federal and Ondo State Governments. The ongoing economic hardships faced by students require urgent attention, and failure to act would only deepen the crisis within the educational sector.
The World Press Conference, organized by NANS JCC Ondo State, saw a large turnout of NANS stakeholders, Senators, and Nigerian students, all of whom expressed solidarity with the Chairman’s proactive stance on these critical issues. Many in attendance praised Comrade Joshua for his clear approach to leadership and governance, as well as his firm resolve to hold the government accountable for the welfare of Nigerian students.
Peoplesmind