NANS seeks govt intervention as fuel, food prices surge

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students Joint Campus Council, Ondo, has raised concerns about the issues affecting students in Ondo State tertiary institutions.

NANS has said that students are suffering due to recent hikes in food and fuel prices.

The students have called on both the state and federal governments to address the challenges they are facing.

This was stated in a release jointly signed by the Chairman of NANS JCC Ondo Axis, Oluwarotimi Joshua, and the General Secretary, Oluwanishola Ajibola, on Monday.

Discussing the impact of the recent fuel price increase, Joshua highlighted how rising transportation and living costs are placing significant strain on students.

“The increase in shuttle fares has made it difficult for students to afford commuting between hostels and schools.

This, combined with the sharp rise in food prices, has added to the financial burden on students who already rely on minimal family allowances,” he stated.

He also noted that many students rely on generators due to erratic electricity supply, but the rising cost of fuel has made it nearly impossible for students to sustain their power needs.

“Prolonged power outages and study disruptions are now common as students struggle to cope,” he added, urging the federal government to take swift action to reverse the fuel price hike and provide economic relief.

He appealed directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to address the ongoing economic hardships faced by students.

“Immediate intervention is necessary to alleviate the burdens on Nigerian students and ensure they can continue their education without undue hardship,” he said.

Turning his attention to Ondo, the NANS JCC Chairman expressed appreciation for the recent approval and disbursement of bursaries and scholarships by the state government, saying, “We commend Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for this rare opportunity, which will greatly benefit our academic and personal development,” he said.

He also acknowledged the efforts of the Senior Special Assistant on Student Affairs, Kelvin Olaolu, and the Chief Security Officer of the state governor for their dedication to student welfare and security.

However, Joshua also addressed unresolved issues, particularly the unfulfilled promise of providing twelve buses for student transportation across the state, a pledge made by the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

He voiced concerns over the palliative measures meant to alleviate student hardship, which have yet to materialise.

“Seventy per cent of the funds for this project were reportedly paid, yet the buses have not been delivered. Despite assurances, students have received no palliatives, further worsening the already difficult circumstances,” he lamented.

The recent increase in tuition fees across state institutions was another pressing issue raised by NANS JCC Ondo, urging the state government to reconsider the fee increase and provide financial relief for students.

“Amidst a national economic crisis, the hike in tuition fees is an unbearable additional burden,” Joshua said.

In response to an incident at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Joshua clarified that reports of unrest were untrue.

He explained that during an empowerment programme organised by Adefarati Gboyega, tensions arose when security aides used tear gas to control a crowd after a disruption caused by thugs.

“The Students’ Union President had intended to remind the governor of his promise to dualise the road leading to the university’s main gate, but the situation escalated unexpectedly,” he said.

In his closing remarks, Comrade Joshua reiterated the students’ demands for the government to fulfil its commitments, saying, “The failure to deliver on key promises, including transportation support, palliative distribution, and tuition relief, highlights a troubling lack of accountability.”