The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Ogun JCC, has appealed to the state government to increase subventions allocated to tertiary institutions in the state, stressing that it would serves as backbone for stability and directly influences the welfare of both staff and students.
The student body made the appeal on Wednesday, during its Inauguration/Education Summit held at the Ogun State Polytechnic of Health and Applied Sciences, Ilese-Ijebu.
At the summit themed, “Strategizing Towards A Qualitative Education in Ogun State: The Needs For Stakeholders’ Synergy”, the students bemoaned that their campuses struggle with insufficient funding, which affects teaching quality, staff motivation, and the overall learning environment.
According to them, enhancing the subvention structure will empower institutions to function optimally and deliver credible welfare, quality education and a conducive environment for all.
Speaking at the event, the state chairman of the association, Gabriel Abiola Francis, argued that institutions across the state need improved infrastructure, modern classrooms, functional laboratories, hostels, libraries, safe learning environments and reliable transportation systems.
Francis asserted that these are not luxuries but necessities for meaningful education, urging Governor Dapo Abiodun and all pertinent stakeholders to give infrastructure renewal across the state’s tertiary institutions first priority for the sake of present and future generations.
He said, “ Our institutions urgently need improved infrastructure, modern classrooms, functional laboratories, hostels, libraries, safe learning environments and reliable transportation systems. We therefore use this platform to humbly appeal to His Excellency and all relevant authorities to prioritize infrastructural renewal across Ogun State tertiary institutions for the benefit of current and future generations.
“In addition, we strongly advocate for an increase in the subvention allocated to Ogun State tertiary institutions. Adequate subvention is the backbone of institutional stability and directly influences the welfare of both staff and students.
He also called for the reactivation and expansion of bursary and scholarship programmes for Ogun State students, opining that bursaries are lifelines that promote student retention, excellence, and moral stability especially at a time when economic realities are harsh on families.
“We request that the Government consider a structured, timely and transparent bursary system that guarantees yearly support to every eligible student of Ogun State” Francis added.
In his goodwill message, the NANS National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Adeyemi Ajasa, charged the newly sworn-in Chairman, Comrade Francis and his team, to prioritize the core mandate of the student movement.
He cautioned them to distinguish between loyalty and subservience, insisting that their allegiance must be to the student they represent rather than to any personal or political agenda.
“Let me be clear: Loyalty is not synonymous with stupidity. Your loyalty must be to the students you represent and the progressive ideals of NANS, not to any individual or political expediency that compromises your integrity or the association’s mission.”
