Governor Ademola Adeleke has received a seven-day ultimatum from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) leadership concerning a 100 percent increase in school fees at Osun state-owned institutions.
Addressing reporters, the Chairman of NANS in Osun State, Ogungbe Taiwo, revealed that during a significant assembly at the Federal Polytechnic Ede, it was revealed that the Osun State Government has been deceiving students with unfulfilled promises regarding their welfare.
Taiwo criticized Governor Adeleke for neglecting student welfare and failing to involve students in his government. He demanded the reversal of the over 100% fee increases in Osun State-owned institutions and expressed disappointment in the lack of palliatives and infrastructure improvements.
The student body threatened mass mobilization and the relocation of their Secretariat to the Governor’s office if their demands were not met within seven days. They emphasized the urgent need for action to address the deteriorating conditions on campuses and called on the government to prioritize student concerns.
Taiwo stated, “Governor Adeleke has failed to prioritize the welfare of students and include us in his government. We demand the reversal of increased fees in state-owned institutions. The government has increased fees by over 100 percent. The state also failed to provide us with palliatives beyond what the Federal Government offered.”
“Students demand the immediate reversal of increased school fees in Osun State-owned institutions. It is disheartening to see the suffering of students in this present hardship we all face. We hereby call for a total reversal of the increased tuition fees; failure to act promptly will result in mass mobilization by the student body and relocation of our Secretariat to the Governor’s office.”
“We express deep disappointment towards the government of Governor Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke for neglecting student welfare. Despite initial hope, anti-student policies have been implemented, and we are still lagging behind other Southwest states. We urge the government to prioritize student concerns.”
“We reiterate our demand for adequate palliatives and infrastructure improvements to enhance the learning environment on campuses. The road networks across the tertiary institutions are in a very terrible state, yet nothing is being done to make them passable. Most of our lecture halls are below standard.”
“Despite our efforts through letters to government authorities, indifference persists. Therefore, we issue a seven-day ultimatum to the government to address our demands. Failure to do so will result in peaceful protests and roadblocks in Osogbo, the state capital.”
“These demands represent the collective voice of students across higher institutions in Osun State, endorsed by the student union presidents in the state. We urge the government to heed our calls and prioritize the welfare and rights of Nigerian students.”