Attention, Governor Shettima

With much respect and honour, I write to present to you the marginalization and unfair treatment and most importantly the fear of the thousands of Borno state students studying in federal and state institutions. Sir, it’s no longer news that in your speech preceding your emergence as governor re-elect of Borno state, precisely on 29th […]

With much respect and honour, I write to present to you the marginalization and unfair treatment and most importantly the fear of the thousands of Borno state students studying in federal and state institutions.
Sir, it’s no longer news that in your speech preceding your emergence as governor re-elect of Borno state, precisely on 29th May, 2015 you declare a State of Emergency on Education in Borno state and you have since your assumption of office, taken major steps towards ensuring success of the Education sector.
It is in this direction that I want to express how discontented we are with the actions and inaction of the Borno State Ministry of Higher Education through the State Scholarship Board.
Sir, I’m writing through this medium because all efforts to get to you proved abortive due to your busy schedules you always have. But I’m sure, this will get to you through your aides whom you have appointed to serve you interfacing with the people through the Social Media in persons of Isa Gusau, Usman Majidadi Kumo, Yusuf Usman Shettima and others. Our hope is that this letter will get to you on time and in good condition so that you will be aware of the way our students lose their admission because they can’t afford to pay their registration fees.
Your Excellency Sir, some institutions within the country released the 2016/2017 proposed Academic Calendar. The calendar showed registration exercise to commence in October, 2016 while Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) have already begin its registration process for this session.
Sir, since then, students have become apprehensive as fear of losing the admission as it has happened in times past. As a result of the economic recession and other economic hardship a huge number of students have not being able to pay their fees. My office as the Vice President, National Affairs, National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) has received lots of complaint and calls from students to intervene on their behalf, calling your distinguished attention to this anomaly.
Sir, it may interest you to know that since my inception into the University four years ago and as an indigene of Borno State, I have never for once benefited from either scholarship or sponsorship as the case may be from the State Government despite the fact that our colleagues from other states get these privileges every year non-stop.
It saddens me to inform you that many students had to withdrew from the university and other tertiary institutions simply because they can’t afford to pay for the registration and pay school fees let alone buying academic books.
On 4th April 2015, the sum of 235 million naira was released for the payment of 2012/2013 academic session scholarship, the payment started with institutions within Maiduguri, immediately after the 2015 gubernatorial election, the payment stopped, covering less than 25% of the students. Till date there is no positive outcome of the remaining funds from the Ministry of Higher Education or the State Scholarship Board.
Your Excellency, I am certain that you are unaware of the current predicament that we have found ourselves as students. As a student leader and having promised the Nigerian students who I effectively represent, I am glad to have brought this to your notice and solicit your support in assuaging the problem. As a father and a leader with listening ears, I am confident that you will come to our aid.
Shettima Umar, Vice President, National Affairs, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), [email protected]