MSSN hails U.I, LASU, others on ranking, bemoans fuel, electricity price hike

The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit, has congratulated Nigerian universities who ranked among the best in the world.

The Amir of the MSSN Lagos, Miftahudeen Thanni said University of Ibadan (UI), Lagos State University (LASU), University of Lagos (UNILAG) were ranked as first, second, and third respectively in Nigeria.

“In the 2021 Times Higher Education World University Ranking, the University of Ibadan, Lagos State University, University of Lagos, and Covenant University have ranked among the top 1,000 universities in the world.

“Privately-owned Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, was ranked fourth; ahead of the Federal Government-owned University of Nigeria, Nsukka, which came fifth; and Obafemi Awolowo University, sixth in Nigeria”.

He congratulated the Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Fagbohun, and its management, including the Governor of Lagos, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for the outstanding performance of LASU.

“For being ranked above all other universities in Nigeria, except the University of Ibadan that topped the ranking in Nigeria, is commendable.

“The ranking shows that Nigerian universities have improved. However, we can do better. We urge the government at all levels to prioritise educational development and improve on funding,” Thanni added.

Meanwhile, MSSN kicked against the recent increment in electricity tariff and petrol price.
Thanni explained that increasing electricity tariff and fuel price would cause hardship in the country.

According to him, the increment is ill-timed and will kill many businesses in the country.

He said, “While we applaud the move to remove fuel subsidy, the implantation was not done at a reasonable time. The inconsistency in the government’s policy is a killer for small businesses.

“Increasing electricity tariff at a period when people are yet to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 is not the best. However, the electricity tariff is being increased without a corresponding improvement in the power supply. The poor power supply should be the concern of the government at this time, not necessarily increment.

“At present, we are still faced with the challenge of untimely attention and poor customer service by DISCOs, poor access, and unavailability to prepaid meters.

“The increment is the saddest resumption gift for us. Our thoughts as students are that the government will give us a better life, good governance not hardship, and poverty

“We regret this action of the government. It should be reversed. Nigeria should follow the good examples of other countries by assisting the vulnerable and not compounding their problems.” he said.