NAUS committed to students’ representation — Nwankwo

Comrade Meshach Anthony Nwankwo Deputy National President, National Association of University Students (NAUS), (National and Campus Affairs), has said the association is committed to the representation of students. He said this in a statement on Tuesday to mark the country’s 64th independence. The statement, titled, ‘Nigeria at 64: A Message to the Greatest Nigerian Students’, […]

Comrade Meshach Anthony Nwankwo Deputy National President, National Association of University Students (NAUS), (National and Campus Affairs), has said the association is committed to the representation of students.

He said this in a statement on Tuesday to mark the country’s 64th independence.

The statement, titled, ‘Nigeria at 64: A Message to the Greatest Nigerian Students’, reads: “As we mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary, we find ourselves in a period of deep challenge.

“The nation is grappling with an economic reality that has left no one untouched, especially university students, who bear a significant part of the weight.

“It is clear that certain policies to reform our dear country have placed undue pressure on us. But let me be clear — this is not the time to be passive or complacent.

“Yes, this is not the time for resignation; rather, it is a time for strategic dialogues and engagements. For this reason, in genuine dialogue and relentless advocacy, we have engaged the government; demanding not just reform for reform’s sake, but solutions that work for university students and the youths of this nation. We come armed with the results of critical research, not empty slogans, and we are committed to ensuring that our position is grounded in the true needs of Nigerian students.

“We are committed to your representation — not as pawns in a larger political game, but as genuine advocates for our future. No agenda, no matter how tempting, will distract us from the pursuit of real change and reform in our dear country.

“Nigerian students, united in strength; the struggle continues —with clarity, with purpose, and without compromise. A popular Yoruba adage says *”Tí a ba n sun ekún, a má nrí ran.”* (even when crying, we still see). In this era of economic reforms which has continually tested our resilience as university students, I strongly encourage that we make maximum use of certain government initiatives like the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to cushion the effects of hike in school fees and the high cost of living we are currently experiencing.

“We appreciate the government for the CNG buses provided for the students’ constituency, we advocate that this palliative measure is extended down to the grassroot levels as availability of mobility aids productivity. We remain purpose driven and the voices of over four million, two hundred thousand university students which we are amplifying will be heard, and our resolve will not falter.”