The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), zone ‘A’, an umbrella body of students studying in Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Bauchi, Jigawa, Niger and Gombe state respectively, as well as National Association of Kaduna State Students (NAKASS), have joined other Nigerians to condemn in its totality the religious bill before the Kaduna State House of Assembly.
The executive bill sponsored by the state governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai is to among others regulating religious activities in the state.
But the forum noted that, “We condemned in totality the religious bill being reviewed by the Kaduna State Assembly as it is in total contradiction with the right to practice one’s religion as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution.”
A joint press conference signed by the Coordinator of NANS, Zone ‘A’, Comrade Usman Baba and National President NAKASS, Comrade Umar S. Balarabe titled “The subjugation and neglect of Nigerian Students in Kaduna, also disclosed that students of the state have not received their bursary since the inception of this administration, a situation they described as unacceptable.
it said, “Very unfortunate is the overseas scholarship scheme of the state government which has been limited to only graduates with 1st class degree honours only. This we perceive as a deliberate attempt to award the scholarship to wards of political allies who attend private or foreign universities only where first class degrees are up for sale.”
The students demanded that in the interest of peace that the governor as a matter of necessity appoint a Special Adviser on student affairs who must be conversant with students struggles and plights.
“The scholarships, all rights and privileges entitled to students be fully paid as at when due to motivate the students to read hard in their various institutions.
“Just as the Governor avails himself for town hall meetings with other stakeholders, he should also create enabling environment to meet with the students constituency.
“The government should review fees of the state owned institutions to avoid mass action by the students.
”The governor should monitor and ensure the full implementation of the budgetary allocation to the education ministry.
“The governor, Malllam Nasir El-Rufai should apologize to Nigerian students for neglect and condole the organization over the accidents and trauma the students went through during the verification exercise,” the students observed.
According to the student body leaderships, failure of the government to meet their demand within the next 7 days would further provoke the students as they shall continue to use all avenue available to them to ensure the interests of students were fully protected.
The students, however, affirmed their support and commitment beyond the ordinary to ensure, promote and protect the unity, progress and growth of Kaduna State and the nation at large.
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