Students of tertiary institutions in Delta State have taken a stand against the planned nationwide protest, disassociating themselves from the movement that seeks to address the issues of bad governance and rising living costs in Nigeria.
The protest, under the hashtag #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria, is slated to occur from August 1 to August 10, with the aim of drawing President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s attention to the challenges faced by Nigerians. However, the President of the National Association of Delta State Students (NADESSTU), Comrade Monday Wiska, made it clear that the students in Delta State fully support Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration and are opposed to participating in the protest.
Speaking at a press conference held in Asaba, Comrade Wiska, alongside student leaders from various higher institutions in the state, emphasized the positive impact of Governor Oborevwori’s administration on the education sector. He urged students in the state to refrain from joining the planned protest, citing concerns about potential disruptions to academic activities and the safety of students.
“We are here today to address a very pressing global issue that concerns our student community in Delta State regarding the alleged planned nationwide protest,” stated Comrade Wiska. “I urge all students to boycott the protest scheduled for August 1, 2024. While advocating for our rights is important, this protest does not align with the best interests of students.”
Expressing apprehension about the potential risks associated with the protest, Comrade Wiska pointed out security concerns and the possibility of unrest on campuses.
He stressed that the current hardships in the country are not attributable to Delta State and cautioned against actions that could jeopardize the safety and well-being of students.
“I must unequivocally state that as students leaders, we seriously frown at the current hardship in the nation but it is important to note that this hardship is not caused by our state as the state government has opened the application/registration of the 2024 Students Special Assistant Scheme (Bursary Payment) to help alleviate the financial burden on students of Delta State.
“This is a deliberate action that underscores the commitment of the state government to assist students and we are currently in talks with the state government to consider an upward review of the Bursary so as to help mitigate the hardship in the country.
“The Delta State Government has provided a conducive learning environment for our students and are doing more in infrastructure on campus and we don’t want any protest that is capable of destroying these infrastructures on campus.
“It is worthy to note that the current hardship we are experiencing today is a global issue and of which our state government has been giving palliatives to vulnerable groups in the state to help alleviate this hardship over time.
“The State government has been very students friendly and has provided the opportunity for us to always channel the concerns, interest and aspirations of our students over time.
“We have security information that some misguided elements are planning to penetrate some campuses in the state to cause harm and unrest in our students community using this planned protest as disguise.
“Lastly, we wish to appeal to our students not to be deceived by anyone whatsoever and not to partake in any protest and also to assure them of our already existing good working relationship, collaboration and partnership with the State Government in order to deliver the dividends of democracy to our students in Delta State,” Comrade Wiska said.
The student leaders reiterated their commitment to supporting Governor Oborevwori’s administration and called on their peers to prioritize their academic pursuits while engaging in constructive dialogue to address the nation’s challenges.
The protest, under the hashtag #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria, is slated to occur from August 1 to August 10, with the aim of drawing President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s attention to the challenges faced by Nigerians. However, the President of the National Association of Delta State Students (NADESSTU), Comrade Monday Wiska, made it clear that the students in Delta State fully support Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration and are opposed to participating in the protest.
Speaking at a press conference held in Asaba, Comrade Wiska, alongside student leaders from various higher institutions in the state, emphasized the positive impact of Governor Oborevwori’s administration on the education sector. He urged students in the state to refrain from joining the planned protest, citing concerns about potential disruptions to academic activities and the safety of students.
“We are here today to address a very pressing global issue that concerns our student community in Delta State regarding the alleged planned nationwide protest,” stated Comrade Wiska. “I urge all students to boycott the protest scheduled for August 1, 2024. While advocating for our rights is important, this protest does not align with the best interests of students.”
Expressing apprehension about the potential risks associated with the protest, Comrade Wiska pointed out security concerns and the possibility of unrest on campuses.
He stressed that the current hardships in the country are not attributable to Delta State and cautioned against actions that could jeopardize the safety and well-being of students.
“I must unequivocally state that as students leaders, we seriously frown at the current hardship in the nation but it is important to note that this hardship is not caused by our state as the state government has opened the application/registration of the 2024 Students Special Assistant Scheme (Bursary Payment) to help alleviate the financial burden on students of Delta State.
“This is a deliberate action that underscores the commitment of the state government to assist students and we are currently in talks with the state government to consider an upward review of the Bursary so as to help mitigate the hardship in the country.
“The Delta State Government has provided a conducive learning environment for our students and are doing more in infrastructure on campus and we don’t want any protest that is capable of destroying these infrastructures on campus.
“It is worthy to note that the current hardship we are experiencing today is a global issue and of which our state government has been giving palliatives to vulnerable groups in the state to help alleviate this hardship over time.
“The State government has been very students friendly and has provided the opportunity for us to always channel the concerns, interest and aspirations of our students over time.
“We have security information that some misguided elements are planning to penetrate some campuses in the state to cause harm and unrest in our students community using this planned protest as disguise.
“Lastly, we wish to appeal to our students not to be deceived by anyone whatsoever and not to partake in any protest and also to assure them of our already existing good working relationship, collaboration and partnership with the State Government in order to deliver the dividends of democracy to our students in Delta State,” Comrade Wiska said.
The student leaders reiterated their commitment to supporting Governor Oborevwori’s administration and called on their peers to prioritize their academic pursuits while engaging in constructive dialogue to address the nation’s challenges.
