Tinubu’s address fell short in areas critical to youths, students — Edo NAUS

The National Association of University Students (NAUS) Edo State Campus Monitoring Committee (CMC), on Sunday, expressed dissatisfaction with the Presidential Address on nationwide protest by President Bola Tinubu, saying it unfortunately fell short in areas critical to the student community that require immediate and comprehensive attention.

Chairman of the NAUS CMC in Edo, Comrade Osahon Eseosa, in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin City, said while the President’s speech addressed several key issues, it unfortunately fell short in areas critical to the student community that require immediate and comprehensive attention.

Eseosa, who appreciated the President’s recognition of the youth’s aspirations for a better and more progressive Nigeria, said the Tinubu administration’s commitment to initiatives such as the student loan scheme, the Digital and Creative Enterprises (IDiCE) programme, and various infrastructure projects were commendable.

He noted that these efforts reflect a vision for a just and prosperous nation, aiming to provide peace, freedom, and meaningful livelihood for all Nigerians, including students.

Comrade Eseosa, however, noted that despite these positive steps, the President’s speech did not adequately address pressing concerns that significantly impact students.

According to him, the issues of corruption, insecurity, and economic hardship continue to hinder the progress of the youth.

He lamented that the removal of the fuel subsidy and the abolition of multiple foreign exchange systems, while necessary, have intensified the economic challenges faced by students, who are already grappling with high unemployment rates and limited opportunities.

“Additionally, the recent announcement by Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies (DisCos) of a tariff hike is particularly alarming. Electricity is a fundamental necessity for students who rely on it for their studies and daily activities. Recently, some educational institutions have been forced to shut down due to their inability to manage the exorbitant bills from BEDC. It is crucial to address this issue urgently and reduce the recent hike in electricity tariffs to prevent further disruptions to our academic institutions and the daily lives of students.

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“I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives during the protests and extend my heartfelt condolences to the affected families. It is essential to emphasise the need for peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement to address the root causes of these protests. While the call to suspend protests for dialogue is noted, it is imperative that such dialogue results in tangible solutions that address the concerns of the Nigerian people, including the student community.

“The President’s efforts to enhance fiscal policies, boost non-oil sector productivity, and reduce the country’s debt burden are steps in the right direction. However, these policies must be inclusive and beneficial to the youth, who represent the future of our nation. Initiatives like the Compressed Natural Gas Initiative and various youth empowerment programs must be effectively implemented and accessible to ensure they meet their intended goals,” Eseosa lamented.

He, however, commended the university students in Edo State for the peaceful demonstrations and steadfast commitment to advocating for positive change, saying, “Your actions exemplify the spirit of democracy and the pursuit of a better Nigeria. I urge you to continue to communicate your demands peacefully and constructively.”