Ogun NANS urges Abiodun to upgrade tertiary institutions, boost funding

The newly elected leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Ogun State Joint Campus Committee, on Thursday urged Governor Dapo Abiodun to prioritise infrastructural upgrade and improved funding across all state-owned tertiary institutions.

The students’ body also urged improved funding of the state’s tertiary institutions to enhance a conducive learning environment and encourage the delivery of top-notch higher education.

The NANS leadership further appealed to the governor to reactivate and expand bursary and scholarship schemes for students in the state to cushion the hardship caused by current economic conditions.

The newly elected chairman of NANS Ogun JCC, Gabriel Francis, according to a statement on Thursday, made the call during the inauguration of the new leadership of the association and an educational summit held at the Ogun State Polytechnic of Health and Allied Sciences, Ilese-Ijebu, in the Ijebu North-East Local Government Area of the state.

Francis, who commended Governor Abiodun for his support for the student community and his investment in the education sector, however, noted that significant gaps still needed to be addressed to strengthen tertiary education in the state.

He said, “Our institutions urgently need improved infrastructure—modern classrooms, functional laboratories, hostels, libraries, safe learning environments and reliable transportation systems.”

The students’ leader added that “these demands are not luxuries but necessities for meaningful education,” appealing to the governor and relevant authorities to prioritise infrastructural renewal across state-owned tertiary institutions for the benefit of current and future generations.

Francis also said, “We equally strongly advocate for an increase in the subvention allocated to Ogun State tertiary institutions.

“Adequate subvention is the backbone of institutional stability and directly influences the welfare of both staff and students.

“Many of our campuses struggle with insufficient funding, which affects teaching quality, staff motivation, resource availability and the overall learning environment.

“We passionately request that the government enhance the subvention structure to empower our institutions to function optimally and deliver credible welfare, quality education and a conducive environment for all.”

In line with national educational standards, NANS also appealed for the reactivation and expansion of bursary and scholarship schemes for all students in the state.

Francis explained that, at a time when economic realities were hitting families hard, bursaries served as lifelines that support retention, excellence and stability among students. He urged the government to consider a structured, timely and transparent bursary system that guarantees yearly support to every eligible student.

He thanked stakeholders for their support, saying his administration would be driven by accountability, inclusiveness, progressive engagement and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of every student.

In his goodwill message, the National Public Relations Officer of NANS, Adeyemi Ajasa, urged Francis and his team to prioritise the core mandate of the student movement, noting that the survival and relevance of the Ogun JCC depended entirely on its commitment to its constituents.

Ajasa, who formally congratulated the new chairman and his team, added that “It is essential for every comrade to understand the profound difference between commitment and subservience. Let me be clear: Loyalty is not synonymous with stupidity.

The National Association of Nigerian Students focuses on students’ welfare, campus security and government engagement while demanding better funding for tertiary education, among other priorities.

Source: Punch