FG’s Failure To Provide Buses For Students Disappointing- NANS
Zonal Coordinators of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) have expressed disappointment over President Bola Tinubu’s failure to fulfil his promise of providing buses for student union bodies in the country.
Recall that in July last year, the president approved the provision of buses to students of tertiary institutions across the country to ease the burden of the fuel subsidy removal on them.
The president, through his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Dele Alake said the buses will be given to students bodies of all universities, polytechnics and colleges of education in the country.
However, after one year of the promise, the students said they are yet to get the buses, adding that the president’s failure to fully deliver on the promise has left students and their families grappling with the same transportation challenges the initiative aimed to resolve.
A statement signed by NANS Coordinators, Comrades Bilal Lawal Kurfi, Northwest, Daniel Friday Egga, Zone C, Alao John, Zone D, Bappa Hassan Adam, Zone E and Chidi Nzekwe, Southeast, urged the President not to forget his promise, saying delaying it was not in the interest of the students.
The statement reads, “The National Association of Nigerian Students Zonal Coordinators wish to express our deep displeasure and concern regarding the recent developments surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s promise to provide buses for student union bodies in government-owned universities, colleges of education, and polytechnics nationwide.
“This promise, which was announced on July 13th, 2023, by the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications & Strategy, Mr. Dele Alake, was welcomed with high hopes and expectations by the entire student community.
“However, 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, emphasized 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 youths 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.”
The students body called on 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. We urge the President to remember his words and take immediate action to deliver on this promise.
“Furthermore, we implore the President to maintain vigilance over the administration of federal universities, ensuring that there are no arbitrary increases in school fees or other charges that could further burden students. The President’s commitment to education should be reflected in tangible actions that directly benefit the student body,” it added.
ENDS
FG’s Failure To Provide Buses For Students Disappointing- NANS is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
