Count Us Out Of Planned Nationwide Protest –Youths, Students

If you think that the planned nationwide protest over challenging economic conditions have all Nigerian youths’ endorsement, you might be totally wrong.

Not even Nigerian students in one accord are in support of the civil action despite biting economic challenges nationwide.

At least, a coalition of Concerned Northern Youths and Students in 19 Northern states have stated their resolve to boycott any such planned nationwide protest.

Their decision to withdraw was announced today, by the Coalition’s National Coordinator, Jibril Sani Bello, who addressed journalists on the matter in Kano urged Nigerian students not to be part of the protest.

Bello,  said plans to join the protest have already reached an advanced stage before the resole to withdraw.

Reason: the aim of the protest were unknown.

READ ALSO: Economic Hardships: Tinubu’s CNG Set To Scuttle Mass Strike

“We understand the economic hardship in Nigeria but as students, your future is paramount. Already, plans to join the protest have reached an advance stage but we resolved to withdraw from the protest due to the fact that organisers’ and aim of the protest were unknown, especially with the sponsorship for us to fight for our right and so, we are uncertain whether their intentions are peaceful or violent.

“Students of Kano State University of Science and Technology, KUST, Wudil and Uthman Danfodio University in Sokoto state could bear witness that protest has, in most case, it has been a setback to our academic journey.

“Those in KUST, Wudil, in the 2017/2018 session have to witness an elongation of 4 to 5 months just because of a day protest.

“Similarly, students of Uthman Danfodio University, in 2012/2013, there was a protest which led 3 to 4 months elongation of the academic journey.

“I strongly urge you to refrain from participating in the upcoming nationwide planned protest. The organizers of this protest are unknown, and we are uncertain whether their intentions are peaceful or violent. Your safety and well-being are our top priority.

READ ALSO: NLC To Commence Indefinite Strike Tomorrow As Private Sectors Kick In 

“Besides, this administration has shown consideration for students by making educational loans available without interest, ensuring that you can focus on your studies now and secure jobs in the future to repay these loans.

Rather than planned nationwide protests, advised thus:“Let’s prioritise our education and future success. While we appreciate the efforts of the government, we are also appealing to them to see the possibility of expanding the scholarship exercise like the foreign one to make it mandatory for every student to be a beneficiary of the scholarship and it will make an academic journey hitch free for students” the National Coordinator, Bello however stated.

The Eagle reports that Bello is also the National Senate President, National Association of Kano State Students, NAKSS