By Adebayo Olodan
The National Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS) may today stage a massive protest over the state government’s refusal to release the approved N100million bursary.
In a statement signed by NAKSS President, Comrade Musa Mohammed Mancha and the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Salihu Ayatullahi, at the weekend, the association said it will decide whether the protest will take place based on the outcome of a meeting with Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, today (Monday).
“Sequel to the earlier press statement released by the association, we wish to inform the entire students’ populace that the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has invited NAKSS to a meeting on Monday, November 5, 2018.
“We must reinstate that there is no going back on our demand(s) that our bursary must be released immediately.
“The outcome of the meeting will determine our next movement, but be rest assured that you are our interest,” NAKSS stated, while urging the students to come out en mass and get ready for the massive protest despite the scheduled meeting with the Governor.
NAKSS had in a statement released last Wednesday said having waited for over four months; its members will take to the street to express their grievances towards the nonchalant attitude of the state government on the plight of Kwara students and even the educational sector in general.
It added that; “We must not fail to include that any negotiation later than Friday, November 2nd will not be welcome nor any plea from the state government outside of the time frame will be accepted. We have done enough, and can no longer hold the pressure from our students.”
The Special Adviser on Labour and Student Affairs to the Kwara State Governor, Comrade Bisi Fakayode in a statement on Friday said the Governor Ahmed will be meeting the leadership of NAKSS to discuss the welfare of students, including state bursary and other programmes designed to support the students.
Fakayode reiterated the state government’s standing commitment to supporting students to successfully complete their studies and fulfill their professional and personal ambitions.
While commending the NAKSS leadership and members for their patience and mature pursuit of this year’s bursary and other welfare packages, Fakayode urged them to continue to adapt dialogue in their engagement with the government which he said is trying its best to meet their requests.
