… Demand Adequate Funding of Education Sector
…Seek Government Attention, Improved welfare packages ors
In a renewed call for accountability and improved welfare, Nigerian students under various umbrella bodies have demanded the urgent attention of the Akwa Ibom State Government on key issues affecting the student community.
The demand was made during a World Press Conference jointly organized by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), National Association of Akwa Ibom State Students (NAAKISS), Akwa Ibom Female Students Association (AIFSA), and other affiliate student unions at the NUJ Secretariat, Uyo.
Speaking at the event, the student leaders commended Governor Umo Eno for his continued investment in education, particularly the bursary scheme and improved infrastructure in tertiary institutions.
However, they decried the lack of transparency in the recent bursary disbursement, alleging that payments were made to individuals, some of whom were not students, and without proper statistics or verification from recognized student bodies.
“Bursary has been paid to some people, yet student leaders have no data or statistics showing who received the funds. A lot of students have equally complained of not receiving the bursary and since we do not have the data, this raises serious questions about accountability,” the students stated.
The student leaders also urged the government of Akwa Ibom State to expedite the long-overdue NAAKISS Worldwide elections, warning that the delay could deepen the leadership crisis and weaken the unity of Akwa Ibom students ahead of future political events.
Among other demands, they called for the provision of student grants and scholarships, improved funding for education, and the establishment of Computer-Based Test (CBT) facilities in state-owned schools to ease examination stress.
They also appealed for a transparent engagement framework that ensures regular dialogue between government agencies and legitimate student unions such as NANS, NAAKISS, and SUG councils.
“There should be deliberate collaboration between the government and students’ representatives to rebuild trust and promote inclusive leadership. The Governor has not had any enlarged meeting with us as student leaders; when students are sidelined, their interests suffer,” a communiqué issued at the Conference, stated.
They further expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Matters, Comrade Wisdom Emmanuel, accusing him of sidelining key student leaders and stakeholders in critical decision-making processes.
“It is unfortunate that the Special Assistant on Students’ Matters has continued to alienate recognized student structures, creating divisions within the community by forming a parallel group known as Arise Students, instead of working with those who contributed immensely to the Governor’s victory,” they lamented.
Reaffirming their commitment to student solidarity, the leaders noted that International Students’ Day offers an opportunity to reflect on the struggles, rights, and achievements of students worldwide, urging government at all levels to meet UNESCO’s recommended funding standards for education.
The press conference was jointly signed by student leaders, including Comrade Emmanuel Akpan, Assistant Secretary General, NANS Zone B; Comrade Ubong Ekwere Okon, President, NAAKISS Worldwide; Activist Emmanuel Peter, Chairman, NANS JCC Akwa Ibom; Comrade Margaret Ekpenyong Asuquo, President, AIFSA; Comrade Fredrick Bassey, Coordinator, NIDSUG; Comrade Elizabeth Uwem Ben, Director of Gender and Campus Affairs, NAUS; Comrade Elsie Etete, Chairperson, Council of SUG Presidents; Comrade Ubiere Obot, Acting Chairman, G31; and Comrade Enobong Udo, Chair of Chairs, NAAKISS Worldwide.
They reiterated their readiness to engage constructively with Government in the spirit of partnership and progress, while maintaining that students’ welfare must remain a top priority in the administration’s educational agenda.
Responding, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, appreciated the student leaders for maintaining decorum and avoiding crisis in the face of provocation.
He assured them that the Union would amplify their concerns and communicate their plights to relevant authorities, emphasizing that the media remains a dependable partner in advancing the cause of students in the State.
Comrade John urged the student leaders to continue to speak out responsibly and courageously, reminding them that they were elected to represent, protect, and advocate for the rights and welfare of students.
While acknowledging the critical role of education in societal development, the NUJ Chairman stressed that students’ welfare must be given priority attention, assuring them of the Union’s full commitment to engage constructively with the government and other stakeholders to address the issues raised.
