The leadership of the National Association of University Students (NAUS) has announced that university students will not participate in the planned protests on October 1, aimed at addressing the current economic hardships.
During a press conference in Abuja, NAUS National President Comrade Josiah Oche Peter urged students to avoid any protests instigated by individuals or groups on Independence Day. Instead, the association is focused on engaging in dialogue with relevant authorities to advocate for students’ interests.
Oche Peter called on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to ensure uniform pricing for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at filling stations and to expedite the operation of the nation’s refineries.
He stated, “We will engage in dialogue with relevant authorities to protect NAUS’s interests, except as a last resort if our demands are not met.”
Additionally, NAUS urged the federal government to distribute 3,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to institutions to alleviate the impact of subsidy removal on students. The association expressed gratitude for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s educational reforms and passed a vote of confidence on Hon. Sunday Asefon Dayo, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement.
Addressing the economic challenges, Oche Peter acknowledged the hardships faced by students due to fuel price hikes, foreign exchange irregularities, and rising food costs. He reiterated the call for NNPCL to stabilize fuel prices and encouraged the establishment of more refineries to ease the burden on Nigerians.