From Richard Akintade, Osogbo
National President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Comrade Olusola Ladoja, yesterday commended the Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, for his administration’s commitment to education, workers’ welfare and the general well-being of the people.
Comrade Ladoja, who was in Osun State on a campus tour, paid a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House, Osogbo.
Adeleke was represented by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi.
Speaking during the visit, the NANS president lauded the governor for the “wonderful job” he is doing in transforming the state and reaffirmed the students community’s continued support for his administration.
He described Governor Adeleke as “a students friendly, workers friendly and people-oriented leader” whose policies reflect genuine concern for the welfare of all segments of the society.
While applauding government’s achievements in the education sector, Comrade Ladoja urged the governor to do more “like the proverbial Oliver Twist.” He particularly called for the quick resolution of the lingering local government impasse, noting that the continuous withholding of local government funds is beginning to take a toll on education.
According to him, the diversion of funds meant for other developmental projects, including education, to cover local government staff salaries has negatively impacted school funding and infrastructure.
The NANS president also appealed to the state government to consider reducing tuition fees at Osun State University, UNIOSUN, provide official vehicles for students’ use and prioritise road construction within the College of Health Technology, Ilesa, among other demands aimed at improving the learning environment.
Comrade Ladoja assured that NANS will continue to partner the state government in promoting quality education, good governance and youth development.
Present at the meeting were the Commissioner for Education, Eluwole Sunday Ededipo; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Matters, Comrade Aaderoju Bashiru; and other critical stakeholders in the students’ movement, including Comrade Ebby Oluwasegun Ige and Comrade Babarinde Funsho.
