The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC), and the National Association of Osun State Students (NAOSS) have criticised Governor Ademola Adeleke over the 200 per cent increase in tuition fees across state-owned tertiary institutions.
The student bodies described the hike as insensitive and unaffordable, saying it has placed higher education beyond the reach of students from poor and average families, and consequently passed a vote of no confidence in the Adeleke administration.
In a statement signed by the NANS/JCC Public Relations Officer, Comrade Ibraheem Alabi, the unions expressed disappointment with what they described as the government’s poor handling of students’ welfare.
The statement said the administration had been characterised by unfulfilled promises, delays, neglect of students’ needs, and the politicisation of student welfare.
According to the students, the 200 per cent increase in tuition fees has compounded the hardship faced by learners in Osun State–owned institutions, while basic welfare support remains absent.
They also lamented the neglect of infrastructure in student communities and institutions, citing poor road networks and dilapidated facilities. As an example, they noted that the School of Health in Ilesa reportedly lacks a single tiled or motorable road.
The unions further complained about the absence of bursary schemes, welfare structures, and tangible student support systems, despite claims that a large percentage of students were mobilised for Permanent Voter Card registration during elections.
They recalled that previous administrations provided buses and other forms of institutional support to students’ unions, national bodies, and sister associations, which they said are now lacking.
The statement added that after exhausting peaceful and legitimate means, the student bodies engaged the governor during his visit to Osun State University (UNIOSUN). However, they alleged that armed soldiers were deployed to the venue to intimidate students, rather than facilitate dialogue.
They said the governor had promised to address their concerns within one week, but the promise was not fulfilled, further diminishing confidence in his administration.
Consequently, the students said all leadership structures across Osun State, including Students’ Union Government presidents, indigenous chapter presidents, NANS, NAOSS, and sister associations, had collectively passed a vote of no confidence in Governor Adeleke.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
