By Lawrence Audu
The Senate Arm of the National Association of Nigerian Students NANS has disagreed with the Executive on the removal of fuel subsidy by the Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.
In a statement signed by Comrade Felix Hatter said, the Senate of NANS does not agree with the decisions reached at the meeting held on June 6th, 2023, in Abuja, regarding the recent fuel subsidy removal.
“As representatives of Nigerian students, we believe that the decision to remove fuel subsidy will have far-reaching implications for the student community, and we cannot support the conclusions arrived at during the meeting.
“We are of the view that the removal of fuel subsidy without PALLIATIVE measures to ease the negative effect will result in significant increases in the cost of living for all Nigerians, including students.” He adds.
He noted further that the decision to remove fuel subsidy should have been made in consultation with all stakeholders involved, and not just a section of the student body.
“Furthermore, we were not adequately represented at the meeting, and our views and opinions were not taken into consideration because nation wide tuition fee has been hiked indescremenatly by various tertiary institutions CEO (vice Chancellors)
“It is imperative that the leadership of NANS recognizes the gravity of the decision that has been made and works towards ensuring that all Nigerian students are involved in the decision-making process.
“We strongly urge NANS Executive led by Mr Barambu Usman Umar to engage with all factions and relevant organizations to ensure that all views and concerns are adequately represented for our Students are at the receiving end.”
The Senate Arms further distanced itself from the conclusions of the NANS meeting on corruption scandal of fuel subsidy meant for the month of june which amounts to fraud at the detriment of Nigerian people and student.
He assured that the NANS Senate under his watch will go ahead with the plan protest to NNPC as one of the options as agreed by various student union Presidents and stakeholders in the last Senate seating in Keffi.