By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
The State Caucus of the National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS) in Akwa Ibom has said it has concluded arrangements to mobilize over one million students of the state origin on a peaceful march to draw the attention of Governor Imo Eno to the plight of students from the area.
It has also requested for a Town Square meeting with Eno, over their dissatisfaction on some educationally related issues bordering on infrastructure decay, students’ empowerment, and bursary.
Led by Heritage Akpan, National Treasurer (NANS), Zonal Assistant Secretary, and key NANS functioneries from higher institutions in the state, the students told a press conference in Uyo yesterday that they resolved to take the step because all efforts to reach Eno has proved abortive while their input have been overlooked in decisions regarding students in the state.
They regretted that they have not been represented in bursary management and disbursement at the state level and called for the inclusion of state-owned institutions like the State College of Nursing to be part of the beneficiaries of the bursary scheme.
The students, however, expressed gratitude to the governor for building model primary schools across the state adding that the effort was a quantum step towards a brighter future.
“This press conference aims to highlight the abnormalities and salient issues concerning education and students in Akwa Ibom State, while also seizing this opportunity to applaudGovernor Umo Eno for his developmental strides in the state.
“Your Excellency, we consider this medium as the last route to reach you after which all the angles of engagement proved abortive.
“As we address the world today, we will ignite from the positive side of it by pouring encomium on the investment and gigantic strides of the governor in education.” Akpan said.
The students thanked the governor for setting aside N1 billion for bursary payment to Akwa Ibom State students in tertiary institutions and sponsorship of 39 students of Akwa Ibom State origin who participated in the Akwa Ibom/United Kingdom Education Exchange Programme in the UK.
In a remark, Emmanuel Peter, Head, JCC Akwa Ibom NANS, urged the governor to set up a viable scholarship scheme through the Akwa Ibom State Scholarship Board to complement the bursary and aid eligible students to follow their academic pursuits with ease.
While calling on government to improve on infrastructure development in tertiary institutions in the state for learning convenience, employment and deployment of more teachers to the rural areas, Peters asked for a student’s town square meeting maintained that they make up a population of 1.1 million, which should not be ignored.
“We sincerely appeal for a student’s town square meeting in the 11th federal constituency with His Excellency, the Governor, as the town square meeting is ongoing across the federal constituencies to harness more of the concerns, which we may not feel good to discuss over the media.
“It is noteworthy to remind the governor that he has met with the market women, traders, businessmen, artisans, youths and traditional birth attendants, etc, but never met with the students’ leadership, not for once, against his campaign promises that he will meet with students quarterly
“Such an opportunity as a town square meeting with the students will provide the opportunity to discuss intensively and to crossbreed ideas, policies and framework for onward educational/student development.
“In addition, the student community gave you, Your Excellency, the highest number of votes during the 2023 general election will constitute the largest number of voters.
“The aforementioned NANS leaders/office holders from Akwa Ibom State will lead other student leaders and the over 1.1 million students on a solidarity walk to the Government House, Uyo, to present the hard copy of this press text to you on the 19th August 2025 and to interface with you for the first time.” Peters said.
