Ex Oyo NANS Southwest coordinator, Comrade Alao John declares intent for National PRO

…Reiterates support for Tinubu’s educational policy 

The immediate Oyo NANS Southwest cordinator, Comrade Alao John, has declared his intention to run for the position of National PRO at the forthcoming National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) National Convention.

John, a seasoned student leader and immediate past cordinator of NANS Southwest and NANS National PRO assistant, declared his interest to run during a press conference at the FCF Hall in Ibadan.

He said that if elected as NANS National PRO, he would make sure that the National Association of Nigerian Students’ voice is heard and adhered to.

Comrade John emphasised that he is prepared to inspire, empower, impact, create, and sustain the expansion of the NANS, noting that his vision is focused on empowering education and liberating possibilities for all Nigerians.

He equally sought to build a new image for the NANS and also recover the glory of the organization which according to him, has been tainted over the years.

The students leader however commended President Bola Tinubu led Federal Government for all efforts put in place to effectively manage the educational sector up to where it is today. 

He added that while he hoped that more efforts might be made to further lessen the hardships of Nigerian students, Mr. President’s dedication to reviving the hope of Nigerian students and making sure that every young Nigerian is prepared to develop his talent is commendable. 

His words: “I am honoured to stand before you today, not just as a citizen of Nigeria but as someone deeply concerned about the progress of our nation, particularly in the area of education.

“I want to express my deep gratitude to the federal government for all efforts put in place to effectively manage the educational sector up to where it is today. I want to specially thank the Senior Special Assistant to Mr President on student’s engagement, Hon, Comrade Asefon Sunday, for bridging the gap between government closer and the students. His laudable programs have been more than prolific.

“It is pertinent to recognize the innovation employed by the federal government on June 12, 2023 introduced by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration through the Students Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act 2023. The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) implemented to ensure no Nigerian child is denied access to further education by providing succour to students in the payment of school fees has truly been helpful. The removal of all tertiary institutions staff from IPPIS has taken care of the primary cause of incessant strikes by academic staff unions, thus fostering academic stability.

“This action, following the increase in fees charged by a growing number of federal government tertiary institutions, as previous fees charged had long proved grossly insufficient, provided an alternative source of financing for the increasing number of tertiary level students.

“However, we would appreciate if the government could look into the fees increment. Though an alternative source of financing has been provided, the fees in itself tends to be outrageous. The University of Lagos increased tuition from 19,000 to 190,250 in 2023. 

“That’s about 400% increase. The University of Ibadan also increased their tuition by over 500% from 30,000 to 230,000. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, 40.1% of Nigerians live below the poverty line. With Mr President’s commitment to renewing the hope of Nigerian students and ensuring that every young Nigerian is equipped to explore his talent, we hope that more efforts could be put in place to further reduce the struggles of Nigerian students.

“There is more to be done and we trust that the federal government will relentlessly put in more efforts to give a minimal breakdown in the increment to relieve the struggles of Nigerian students.

“Moreover, I also want to appeal to Mr President to keep the National Orientation Agency and Ministry of Information on their toes. There is so much being done by the government that the citizens are not aware of. The people need to know the efforts the government is putting into the development of the nation so they will appreciate the government more. The National Orientation Agency and Ministry of Information needs to create more awareness and inform Nigerians about the things the government is doing.

“As I declare my intention to run for public office, I do so with a vision centered on empowering education and liberating opportunities for all Nigerians.

Having served from the grassroots as SUG president, deputy coordinator and then coordinator for NANS Southwest Zone D, I seek to be a voice to the voiceless as the PRO for NANS National Body. It is just desire that the voice of the National Association of Nigerian Students is heard and adhered to. I seek to inspire, empower, impact, build and sustain the growth of the NANS.

“I seek to be the answer to the struggles of students nationwide irrespective of tribe, race or religion. I believe in national unity, I believe in the power of oneness and so I seek to build a new image for the organization. As it has been tainted over the years, I seek to recover the glory of this great body and bring it back to limelight. I am Alao, and I bring light!

In respect to this, I recognize the power of democracy and I concur to the fact that I cannot do this except you grant me this opportunity.

“From the North Central, consisting of Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Pleateu as well as the Federal Capital Territory. To the North East consisting of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe

To the North West consisting of Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara state To the South East consisting of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states. 

“To the South South consisting of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers states.

Up to the South West consisting of Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states. I crave your indulgence and support in this. This is not just my ambition, it is a call to action for every Nigerian. Let us rise together, build together, and ensure that no one is left behind. Let us create a Nigeria where the dreams of our youth are not constrained by financial barriers but are empowered by opportunity and vision. Thank you, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Earlier in his remarks, the campaign Director General, Southwest, Comrade Ojetola Babatunde, however thanked student leaders for showing their readiness to support Alao’s vision, noting that his candidature is a renewed hope for students.

NANS cadres who equally spoke at the event however called on other student leaders to rally round comrade Alao John, pointing out that he is the sole acknowledged contender for the NANS National PRO ahead of the upcoming convention.

The event was attended by NANS members and students from various institutions in the Southwest zone including the former SUG president and Vice President of LAUTECH, and host of others.