.Seeks increased subvention for institutions

By Adesina Wahab

The newly-elected chairman of the National  Association of Nigerian Students, NANS , Ogun Joint Campus Council, JCC, Comrade Gabriel Francis, has lauded the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his support for the development of education in the state.

Speaking during an Inauguration/ Education Summit held at Ilese, Francis, however, called for increased subvention for state-owned higher institutions and regular bursary awards for students.

“I want to begin by expressing my heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Ogun State, for his continued support for educational development in the Gateway State.

“Over the years, this administration has demonstrated a genuine interest in creating an enabling environment for learning, capacity building and youth empowerment.

Your Excellency, the student community recognizes and deeply appreciates your strides, and we assure you that we remain committed to being constructive partners in the quest for a greater Ogun State.

“Our profound gratitude also goes to the Honourable Commissioner for Education, whose leadership, accessibility and fatherly guidance have continued to give direction to the academic sector.

“Sir, your support towards this inauguration and educational summit reflects your passion for the welfare and progress of students across the state, as we equally appreciate the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the Chief of Staff, permanent secretaries, and all government functionaries whose contributions and interventions have helped sustain peace, stability and progress in the Students’ Constituency.

“To our institutional leaders, SUG Presidents, academic heads, student union executives, faculty and departmental representatives and various stakeholders who have honoured this invitation, we say a very big thank you.

“Your presence validates the importance of today’s event and reaffirms the unity and strength embedded within the Ogun State Students’ movement.

“We equally appreciate our alumni, partners, organisations and community leaders whose encouragement and collaboration continue to shape our success.

“As we step into a new administrative era for NANS OGUN JCC, I must commend the outgoing leadership for their sacrifices and the foundations they have laid in leadership, especially within the students’ space, requires courage, sacrifice, resilience and vision.

“We celebrate your contributions and we pledge to build on your accomplishments while introducing new ideas that align with the present needs and aspirations of our comrades across campuses.

“However, distinguished guests, as we celebrate today, we must also draw attention to the pressing challenges confronting our campuses.

“Our institutions urgently need improved infrastructure—modern classrooms, functional laboratories, hostels, libraries, safe learning environments and reliable transportation systems.

“These are not luxuries but necessities for meaningful education, we therefore use this platform to humbly appeal to His Excellency and all relevant authorities to prioritize infrastructural renewal across Ogun State tertiary institutions for the benefit of current and future generations.

“In addition, we strongly advocate for an increase in the subvention allocated to Ogun State tertiary institutions. Adequate subvention is the backbone of institutional stability and directly influences the welfare of both staff and students.

“Many of our campuses struggle with insufficient funding, which affects teaching quality, staff motivation, resource availability and the overall learning environment.

“We passionately request that the government enhance the subvention structure to empower our institutions to function optimally and deliver credible welfare, quality education and a conducive environment for all.

“Furthermore, in line with national educational best practices, we appeal for the reactivation and expansion of bursary and scholarship schemes for Ogun State students. At a time when economic realities are hitting hard on families, bursaries are lifelines that support retention, excellence and moral stability among students.

“We request that the government consider a structured, timely and transparent bursary system that guarantees yearly support to every eligible student of Ogun State.

“In conclusion, I thank every student, leader and stakeholder present here today for believing in the vision of a stronger, progressive and united NANS in Ogun State.

“Together, we shall build an administration driven by accountability, inclusiveness, progressive engagement and unwavering commitment to the welfare of every student.”