The Osun leadership of NANS while dissociating itself from the solidarity walk, maintained that it adheres to a principled ideology while considering the intricacies of the proposed loan and its enduring repercussions on students and the nation's economy.
The National Association of Nigerian Students Joint Campus Council, Osun State axis has dissociated itself from the planned solidarity walk in support of President Bola Tinubu's Student Loan Act 2023 by the national leadership of the body led by Comrade Lucky Emonefe.
The Osun leadership of NANS while dissociating itself from the solidarity walk, maintained that it adheres to a principled ideology while considering the intricacies of the proposed loan and its enduring repercussions on students and the nation's economy.
Osun NANS stated this in a statement issued on Monday, which was jointly signed by Chairman JCC, Comr. Ogungbe Taiwo Adedamola; General Secretary JCC, Comr. Afolabi Oluwatobiloba Faruq and Public Relations Officer, Comr. Adedapo Taiwo Emmanuel.
The association pledged its support for NANS National in endeavours that promote the welfare of students and the people, but categorically rejected participation "in this initiative and implore Comrade Lucky to reconsider, thereby averting the tarnishing of our association's reputation".
"We express profound disappointment regarding the planned solidarity walk by the NANS National body under the leadership of Comrade Lucky. As leadership of NANS from the Osun Axis, we adhere to a principled ideology, comprehending the intricacies of this proposed loan and its enduring repercussions on students and the nation's economy," the association chapter stated.
It added, "When student loans were initially introduced, we issued a press release articulating our discontent and advocating for grants and scholarships, akin to the policies implemented during Awolowo's tenure as Governor of the Western Region and in states governed by UPN (Unity Party of Nigeria) during the Second Republic.
"We possess a comprehensive understanding of the adverse effects of this loan on both students and the nation.”
It regretted that the federal government's cessation of funding for education has precipitated a surge in school fees at higher institutions.
It said, "Despite this, access to the loan remains elusive for students. It is lamentable that NANS National, as the apex student body, has maintained silence amidst the tribulations inflicted by IMF and World Bank economic policies, failing to organize solidarity walks against these detrimental measures.
"Instead of championing the interests of students and the populace, NANS National aligns itself with the anti-people policies of the federal government. The recent exorbitant increase in electricity tariffs is emblematic of this trend, exacerbating economic hardships for students.
"Yet, NANS National remains silent, opting to endorse President Tinubu's agenda, which threatens to render education inaccessible to the masses.
"We, representing the Osun Axis, have consistently advocated for the people's interests. Under no circumstances will we condone oppression. Through this platform, we inform Nigerian students and the general public that all eight institutions in Osun, comprising hundreds of thousands of students, dissociate from this walk.
"We categorically reject participation in this initiative and implore Comrade Lucky to reconsider, thereby averting the tarnishing of our association's reputation.
"Moving forward, we pledge unwavering support for NANS National in endeavours that promote the welfare of students and the people. Our commitment to students' well-being remains steadfast and will continue to define our guiding principles."