The National Association of University Students (NAUS) has taken a firm stance against the proposed protest slated for October 1, 2024, on Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day anniversary.
In a maiden news conference held in Abuja, NAUS newly elected President, Comrade Josiah Oche Peter, called on students across Nigeria and abroad to eschew the planned demonstrations, citing potential risks and advocating for constructive dialogue with authorities instead.
Addressing a gathering of press and students, Peter expressed profound concerns over the economic hardships currently gripping the nation, primarily attributed to the removal of fuel subsidies and other economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“Having observed the current hardships, from foreign exchange irregularities to fuel scarcity, skyrocketing food prices, and the general decline in living conditions, we felt it necessary to address the nation and the student populace,” Peter remarked.
Peter highlighted the acute impact of these economic challenges on students, urging the Federal Government to take actionable steps such as distributing 3,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to universities to alleviate transportation costs.
Furthermore, he implored the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to ensure uniform pricing of premium motor spirit (PMS) across filling stations and to expedite efforts to make the country’s refineries operational.
In a bid to dissuade students from joining the protests, Peter warned of the potential for such events to be exploited by unruly elements, potentially leading to chaos and harm to innocent citizens.
“We urge all university students to shun all forms of protest, as we will engage in dialogue with relevant authorities to protect NAUS’s interests, except as a last resort if our demands are not met,” he asserted.
Despite the challenges, Peter acknowledged and appreciated President Tinubu’s efforts towards educational reforms and the Nigerian Students Loan Fund (NELFUND) innovation.
He also lauded Hon. Sunday Asefon Dayo, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement, for effectively ensuring that student welfare remains a priority.
“His experience and versatile skills in handling the students’ community at a time like this have kept students out of street protests,” Peter stated.
Additionally, the NAUS leadership commended Arc. Sonny Echono, the Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), for his transformative leadership, which has significantly propelled development in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
As NAUS continues to advocate for the welfare of its members, it remains steadfast in its commitment to dialogue and cooperation with government bodies to secure tangible benefits for students, emphasizing that protests will only be considered as a final measure.