The tertiary education students under the auspices of National Association of University Students (NAUS), National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), and the National Association Nigerian of College of Education Students (NANCES), have suspended the nationwide protest earlier scheduled to hold from Monday, July 29th, 2024.
The joint leadership of NAUS, NAPS, and NANCES, took the decision to postpone the protest for now after extensive consultations, especially as it has coincided with the August national protest.
The students announced the suspension of the planned protest in a statement jointly signed on Sunday by Comrade Obaji Marshal National President, NAUS; Amb. Shuaib Ishaka Yahaya, Senate President, NAUS; Comrade Ridwan Opeyemi Munirudeen, National President, NAPS; Comrade Adeniji Boluwaji Temitope, Senate President, NAPS; Amb. Comrade Eegunjobi Samuel Oluwaseun, National President, NANCES; and Sen. Kur Isaac Ushahemba, Senate President, NANCES.
The students expressed fears that their genuine peaceful protest could be hijacked, hence the decision to suspend it, adding that the students’ bodies would, however, continue to engage government and relevant stakeholders on the various demands of the Associations.
The statement read: “We bring greetings to all University, Polytechnic, and Colleges of Education students studying in various disciplines across the 36 states of the country and the FCT, re-emphasizing the commitment of our administration towards securing the best and most beneficial ends for us all, till our last day in office.
“You will recall that a few days ago, the Joint National leadership, informed the public of our decision to embark on an organised protest and peaceful demonstration, aimed at drawing the attention of the government to the economic hardship and high/rising cost of living in the country, which is most felt by Students and youths of the country.
“We are aware of our rights as enshrined in the 1999 constitution (as amended), and have chosen to proceed towards exercising them very shortly.
“The present economic quagmire occasioned by the rising cost of living, hike in cost of commodities , hike in petroleum price, hike in electricity tarriff, insecurity, poor funding of our institutions which presently affects more than 80% of the population in the country, is felt most by young Nigerians studying for various academic qualifications across tertiary institutions.”
“Furthermore, the inability of federal, state, and local governments to provide adequate immediate and long-term palliatives, especially for Nigerian Students, to cushion the effect of the high cost of living, is rather disappointing and also raises the alarm of the student movement in the country, of a seeming lack of initiatives and ideas on the most effective approach to sustainable economic recovery and growth.
“However, the Joint national leadership has been inundated with calls which have led to marathon consultations with stakeholders, government officials, and well-meaning Nigerians on the issue of our proposed protest action.
“It will also interest you to know that these consultations have offered assurances of quick action to the demands made.
“Similarly, the joint leadership takes into cognizance of the fact that there is a planned national protest in August, and with the concerns expressed by security agencies from consultations, it will be dangerous leading a protest in a critical moment like this, as it can be hijacked.
“Also, since the joint leadership is the only known body protesting all damages might fall on us, the National Joint Leadership hereby postpones its planned protest.
“This postponement also comes with a dissociation of the Associations from the 10 days protest being organised, with a call for all the students of tertiary institutions to stay away from the national protest.
“For emphasis, the joint leadership calls off its protest, and postpones it till further notice, while engagements and consultations would continue with the government, stakeholders, and the Associations.
“We once again reassure all Nigerian tertiary institution students of our commitment to their welfare and good educational standards, calling for their continued trust and cooperation.
“More details to come on our soon to be addressed press conference,” the statement said.
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