The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on Friday distanced itself from the planned protest by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) against the recent hike in voice calls and data plan prices.
According to NANS, the protest may not address the pressing issues affecting students in the country, such as poor funding of education, inadequate infrastructure, and insecurity.
This was revealed in a press briefing addressed by the Director of Campus Watch Zone of NANS, Tabitha Babayo, and Mu’azu Hina, Vice President of NANS external affairs in Gombe State.
Chronicle NG reports that the organised labour has scheduled February 4, 2025, as a day of national protest against the 50% telecommunication tariff hike by the federal government.
Reacting to the NLC’s resolve for a protest, NANS in a statement said, “The NLC protest may not be well thought out and may not achieve its intended objectives.
“As students, we are committed to peaceful and constructive engagement, and we believe that there are better ways to address the issues facing Nigerians than through protests.”
“Instead, NANS is calling on the federal government to take immediate action to repair the dilapidated roads in the northeast region, particularly the Numan-Yola-Gombe Road, which has become a death trap, claiming the lives of many students.
“The poor state of roads in the North East region is not only a safety concern but also a major obstacle to economic development. We demand that the authorities prioritise the repair of these roads and ensure that they are safe for use,” the group added.
The student union also urged the FG to provide adequate funding for the repair and maintenance of roads in the North East region and to work with the state governors and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive plan for addressing the infrastructure challenges facing the region.
“We are confident that with collective effort and determination, we can make a difference and ensure that the people of the North East region are able to live in safety and dignity,” the statement added.
