NANS Urges Tinubu to Honor Promise of Buses for Students Amid Growing Discontent

National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on President Bola Tinubu to fulfill his promise to provide buses for student union bodies in government-owned universities, colleges of education, and polytechnics across the country. This reminder comes after several months of waiting, with students growing increasingly frustrated by the delay.

On July 13th, 2023, Mr. Dele Alake, the Special Adviser to the President, announced the initiative, which was warmly welcomed by the student community. The initiative was intended to ease the burden of rising transportation costs for students, especially given the recent surge in fuel prices.

In a recent statement, the Zonal Coordinators of NANS expressed their deep displeasure and concern over the unfulfilled promise. They emphasized that despite the government’s commitment to easing students’ financial burdens, the promised buses have yet to be delivered to the respective institutions.

“The failure to deliver on this promise has left students and their families grappling with the same transportation challenges that the initiative was meant to alleviate,” the Coordinators remarked. They stressed that a government’s credibility is built on trust and the ability to deliver on its commitments. Unkept promises not only erode public trust but also undermine the very foundation of governance and accountability.

The Coordinators urged President Tinubu to act swiftly, stating, “The provision of these buses is not just a matter of convenience but a critical need that affects the daily lives and academic success of students across the country.” They also implored the President to maintain vigilance over the administration of federal universities, ensuring that no arbitrary increases in school fees or other charges further burden students.

In conclusion, NANS emphasized that the welfare of Nigerian students should remain a top priority. “We expect the President to uphold the trust placed in him by Nigerian students and act in accordance with his promises. The time to act is now, and we are watching closely.”

This call to action by NANS highlights the growing impatience among students and serves as a reminder to the government of the importance of keeping promises to maintain public trust.