The joint leadership of the national associations of students across the nation’s universities, polytechnics and colleges of education have postponed their planned nationwide protests.
In a communique signed by Comrade Obaji U. Marshal, National President of National Association of University Students, NAUS; Amb. Shuaib Ishaka Yahaya, Senate President, NAUS;Comrade Ridwan O. Munirudeen, National President, National Association of Polytechnics Students, NAPS; and Amb. Comrade Egunjobi Samuel Oluseseun, National President, National Association of Colleges of Education Stuents, NANCES, Sen. Kur Isaac Ushemba,Senate President, NANCES, the joint students’ leadership said they are taking the action because of the ongoing “marathon consultations with stakeholders, government officials and well-meaning Nigerians on the issue of our proposed protest action.
“They also said these consultations have “offered assurances of quick action to the demands made.”
The joint communique also stated that, “Similarly, the Joint Leadership takes into cognizance of the fact that there is a planned national protest in August, and with the concerns expressed by security agencies, it will be dangerous Leading a Protest at a Critical Moment like this, as it can be hijacked and since the Joint Leadership is the only known body protesting all damages might fall on us, the National Joint Leadership hereby postpones its planned protest.”
The joint leadership of students, however, reaffirmed their commitment to the welfare of all University, Polytechnic and Colleges of Education students studying in various disciplines across the 36 states of the country and the FCT, reemphasizing that their administration would continue to secure “the best and most beneficial ends for us all, till our last day in office.”
The joint students body recalled that, “a few days ago, the Joint National leadership , informed the public of our decision to embark on an organised protest and peaceful demonstration, aimed at drawing the attention of the government to the economic hardship and high/rising cost of living in the country, which is most felt by Students and youths of the country.
“They insisted that, “We are aware of our rights as enshrined in the 1999 constitution (as amended), and have chosen to proceed towards exercising them very shortly.
“The present economic quagmire occasioned by the rising cost of living, hike in cost of commodities , hike in petroleum price, hike in electricity tarriff, insecurity, poor funding of our institutions which presently affects more than 80% of the population in the country, is felt most by young Nigerians studying for various academic qualifications across tertiary institutions.
“Furthermore, the inability of federal, state and local governments to provide adequate, immediate and long-term palliatives, especially for Nigerian Students, to cushion the effect of the high cost of living, is rather disappointing and also raises the alarm of the student movement in the country, of a seeming lack of initiatives and ideas on the most effective approach to sustainable economic recovery and growth.”
For the purpose of clarification, the joint students’ leadership said, “This postponement also comes with a dissociation of the Associations with the 10days Protest being organised, with a call for all the Tertiary institutions To Stay Away From The Protest.”
They added, “For emphasis, the joint Leadership calls off its protest, and postpones it till further notice, while engagements and consultations would continue with the Government, Stakeholders And The Association.
“We once again reassure all Nigerian Tertiary Institution Students of our commitment to their welfare and good educational standards, calling for their continued trust and cooperation.”
They said students across the 36 states and the FCT and Nigerians would be adequately updated on more details in their press conference to be addressed soon.
