National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zonal Coordinators, have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to fulfill his promise of providing buses for student union bodies in goverment-owned Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education across the country.
In a statement jointly signed by Comrade Bilala Lawal Kurfi (NANS Northwest Coordinator), Daniel Friday Egga (Zone A Coordinator), Comrade John Alao (NANS South-West Zone D, Coordinator), Comrade Bappa Hassan Adam (ZONE E Coordinator NorthEast) and Comrade Chidi Nzekwe Zone F Coordinator South-East), noted that the President made the promise through his Special Adviser on on Special Duties, Communications & Strategy, Mr. Dele Alake and was welcomed with high hopes and expectations by the entire student community.
The statement reads in parts: “It is disappointing to note that several months have passed, and the promised buses have not been fully provided to the respective institutions. President Tinubu’s administration, as outlined in the statement, emphasised the importance of easing the burden of transportation costs for students, especially in light of the escalating fuel prices due to the removal of fuel subsidies.
“The initiative was seen as a critical intervention to alleviate the financial strain on students and their families. The President’s vision was clear: to ensure that no student is left behind due to economic challenges, and that accessing education remains a fundamental right, not a privilege limited by financial constraints.
“However, the failure to fully deliver on this promise has left students and their families grappling with the same transportation challenges the initiative aimed to resolve. The delay or lack of implementation raises serious concerns about the commitment of the government to the welfare of its citizens, particularly the youth who are the future of this nation.
“As Zonal Coordinators of NANS, we believe that a government that makes promises must also fulfill those promises. A government’s credibility is built on trust and the ability to deliver on its commitments. When promises are made and not kept, it not only erodes the trust of the people but also undermines the very foundation of governance and accountability.
“We, therefore, call on President Bola Tinubu to act swiftly and ensure that the promise made to Nigerian students is fulfilled without further delay. The provision of these buses is not just a matter of convenience but a critical need that affects the daily lives and academic success of students across the country”.
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