The leadership of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone D ably led by Comr. Alao John earlier today, 27th of June, 2023, held a world press conference to herald the new administration elected last week in Osogbo, Osun State capital. Below is the content of the press conference.
TEXT OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESSED BY NANS ZONE D COORDINATOR, COMR. ALAO JOHN ON 27TH OF JUNE, 2023 AT IBADAN, OYO STATE CAPITAL
PROTOCOLS
PREAMBLE
Ladies and gentlemen of the press, it is with great delight that we address this gathering for the first time as Coordinator of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone D. NANS Zone D consists of all higher institutions in states in the South Western part of Nigeria.
INTRODUCTION
The whole Zone converged in Osogbo, the Osun State capital between the 16th and 18th of June, 2023 to hold a unity convention. The convention produced this current executives that we are privileged to lead as the Coordinator.
For a while, our Zones had been engulfed in crisis with factions abounding. But through the efforts of our leaders and stakeholders, especially our father in struggle, Comr. Funsho Babarinde(former ES to Osun State Governor) who shouldered the responsibility of ensuring unity, peace and stability is returned to our Zone, all hands are now on deck. Faction is now a thing of the past in our beloved zone. Once again, NANS Zone D has displayed it is truly the intellectual base of NANS.
We thank the National Executive Council of NANS led by Comr. Usman Barambu for their support in ensuring the convention was a success and we are thankful of his leadership style. Special appreciation to Comrades Babatunde Akinteye, the National Vice President (External Affairs) for his unflinching support for the progress of the zone. We must also appreciate the CPC members at the last convention Comrade Adejuwon Emmanuel Olatunji and Comrade Tegbe Fehintoluwa Stephen for going extra mile for the Zone.
While we toured the South West during the electioneering period, we made certain campaign promises and we will like to use this medium to reiterate that we are committed to keeping to our words.
STATE OF THE NATION
STUDENT LOAN SCHEME/EDUCATION FUNDING
We commend the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for swiftly identifying with Nigerian students within his first days in office by signing into law the Students Loans Scheme. We believe that this scheme will help alleviate the sufferings of the average Nigerian student. Meanwhile, the scheme will be less effective if education is not properly funded. We implore the President to implement the UNESCO recommendation of at least 26% of the budget set aside for education which we all agree is the bedrock for prosperity.
We also need to advice Mr President of Federal Republic of Nigeria to appoint credible hands to be incharge of the process and we also advised that Students Leaders and stakeholders must be part of the process who would help to guide the committee as we still need further clarification on the conditions to secure the loan and the conditions of repayment of the loan.
PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTMENT
While we realize it is the sole right of the President to appoint whoever he wants in his administration, the Zone will also use this opportunity to ask the President to appoint for the students community someone who has the experience and preferably someone who has served the organization meritoriously in the past. This appointment, we believe, will tremendously afford the President indepth information on what is truly happening within the largest group in Nigeria.
UTME RESULT VALIDITY
We will like to call the attention of the President to consider extension of the validity of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) result. It is our belief that there is need for JAMB to conform with global best practices by making UTME candidate’s score valid for a period of 3 years or four academic sessions thereby easing the burden on the parents, government, the society and JAMB itself.
CARE FOR SPECIAL STUDENTS
The Federal Government, State governments and management of tertiary institutions should compassionately look into ways of making education attractive to students with special needs. Internally Displaced Students, Students with disability and the less privileged in our society should be encouraged by reducing the fees paid by these set of students. Facilities on campuses should be designed to accommodate these special breeds amidst us. We owe it as a duty to care for them.
STATE OF OUR CAMPUSES
RESULT DELAY
Our attention has been drawn to the lateness in release of results which is not a motivating factor for us. How do we prepare for the next one when we don't know the result of the past. This carnage must stop and school managements should as a matter of urgency set motions in place to have results ready before resumption of the next semester or at most, two weeks into the new semester.
INTIMIDATION ON OUR CAMPUSES
The high rate of intimidation and suffocation on our campuses by managements is becoming alarming. Without fair hearing, managements suspend or even expell students for as much as grumbling about an unfavorable act. We will like to use this opportunity to tell our oppressors that their time is over. This admin will fight every untoward suspension to the latter. We will not condone intimidation in any guise.
We are also giving a one month ultimatum to all Institution management to restore back the students union on campus as my leadership will not tolerate any form of oppression from any quarters.
SECURITY ON AND OFF CAMPUSES
We note with grave concern the porous state of security on and off our campuses across the Zone. We are tired of hearing and reading gory news of strange occurrences that has involved our students. If those on campuses aren't even safe, what is the fate of those off campus? We call on all security agencies to as a matter of urgency make our learning environment conducive and peaceful for learning.
DEARTH IN RESEARCH
We note with frustration the dearth in research and practical’s on our campuses. While we are not oblivious of the reasons which boil down to lack of funds and capabilities, we will encourage institutions to prioritize research and practicals. Our nation can only develop when our institutions offer solutions and practicable way forwards which can only be attained with quality research and practicals.
STATE OF THE ASSOCIATION
Sequel to the memo released and signed by the National President of our nobel organization, Comr. Usman Barambu dated 23rd of March, 2023 that all Joint Campus Councils that has exceeded 2 years in office be removed, we hereby announce the dissolution of the Ogun State JCC with immediate effect. This is pursuant to the dictates of Article 12 Sec 2(iv) of the NANS constitution. Be rest assured, we will do all we can to ensure the sanctity of our constitution is protected.
In line with this; I hereby announce the composition of a caretaker committee with immediate effect. The following SUG PRESIDENTS are therefore saddled with the responsibilities of managing the affairs of Nigerian students in Ogun State and are mandated to conduct election within the next 30 days.
Comr. Thanni Damilare Abdullahi
SUG PRESIDENT (FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC ILARO)
CHAIRMAN
Comr. Adeogun Moshood Feyisetan
SUG PRESIDENT ( OLABISI ONABANJO UNIVERSITY)
VICE CHAIRMAN
Comr. Alebiosu Boluwatife
SUG PRESIDENT (TASUED)
SECRETARY
Comr. Idowu Olatunji Alexander
SUG PRESIDENT (GATEWAY POLYTECHNIC) SAPADE
MEMBER
Comr. Bada Abdulwasiu Adeniyi
(FUNAAB)
MEMBER
Comr. Mojeed Olamilekan Aina
(FCE)MEMBER
Conclusively, like Frankz Fanon's very popular saying that "every generation out of relative obscurity must define its mission; either to fulfill or betray it", our administration is faced with charting new course of ensuring this nascent unity and peace we enjoy in the zone is sustained. We implore all senators, executives, stakeholders and students in the entire south west to share in this dream of a prosperous and strong organization. Thanks and God bless you.
GOD BLESS NANS (SOUTHWEST) ZONE D
GOD BLESS NANS ( NATIONAL)
GOD BLESS REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
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