A coalition of Concerned Northern Youths and Students across 19 northern states has announced its decision to withdraw from the planned nationwide protest over economic hardship in Nigeria.
The Coalition’s National Coordinator, Jibril Sani Bello, made this known while addressing newsmen in Kano on Wednesday.
Bello, who is also the National Senate President of the National Association of Kano State Students (NAKSS), urged students to refrain from participating in the protest, citing concerns about the organizers and the objectives of the protest.
“We understand the economic hardship in Nigeria, but as students, your future is paramount,” Bello stated.
“Plans to join the protest had reached an advanced stage, but we resolved to withdraw due to the unknown nature of the organizers and their aims. We are uncertain whether their intentions are peaceful or violent.”
Bello highlighted past instances where protests had adversely impacted students’ academic progress.
“Students of Kano State University of Science and Technology (KUST), Wudil, and Uthman Danfodio University in Sokoto State can testify to the setbacks caused by protests. In the 2017/2018 session, a day-long protest in KUST, Wudil led to a 4 to 5 months delay. Similarly, students of Uthman Danfodio University experienced a 3 to 4 months elongation of their academic journey due to protests in the 2012/2013 session.”
He further emphasized the government’s efforts to support students, noting, “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. Let’s prioritize our education and future success.”
Bello also appealed to the government to expand scholarship programs.
“We appreciate the government’s efforts and urge them to consider expanding the scholarship exercise, particularly the foreign one, to ensure every student benefits, making the academic journey hitch-free.”