calls on FG to distribute CNG buses to schools to cushion effects of subsidy on students

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The leadership of the National Association of University Students, NAUS, says students in the nation’s universities will not participate in the October 1 protest being planned by some individuals and groups to express their grievances over the current economic hardship.

To this end, the body has called on the students to stay away from any form of protest instigated by any individual or groups on Independence Day.

NAUS, at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, hinted that it was making arrangements to engage in dialogue with relevant authorities to protect the interest of students.

NAUS  National President,Comrade Josiah Oche Peter, speaking, urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited,NNPCL, to take proactive steps to ensure all filling stations sell PMS at a uniform price.

The body also charged NNPCL to ensure that the nation’s refineries begin operation.

“We urge all university students to shun all forms of protest, as we will engage in dialogue with relevant authorities to protect NAUS’s interests, except as a last resort if our demands are not met,”he said.

The university students’ body called on the federal government to distribute 3,000 Compressed Natural Gas, CNG buses to all institutions to help cushion the effects of subsidy on university students.

He also expressed appreciation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts toward educational reforms and NELFUND innovation, and he passed a vote of confidence on the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement, Hon. Sunday Asefon Dayo.

“Having observed the current hardships, from foreign exchange irregularities to fuel scarcity, skyrocketing food prices, and the general decline in living conditions, we felt it necessary to address the nation and the student populace. We recognize the profound difficulties caused by the recent hike in fuel prices and understand the strain it places on our students and society.

“We appeal to the Federal Government to distribute 3,000 CNG buses to all institutions to help mitigate the impact of subsidy removal on university students.

“NAUS calls on the NNPCL to ensure all filling stations sell PMS at a uniform price and to encourage companies like Dangote to build more refineries to alleviate the effects of high fuel prices on Nigerians while appealing for a reduction in petroleum product prices,”he further said.