The Oyo State Government says it is set to revitalise the existing relationship it is enjoying with students of higher institutions in the state.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke, disclosed this during a meeting with the leadership of various student bodies, a few days after the student union leaders held a protest.
Adegoke, who described the meeting as invigorating, noted that Governor Seyi Makinde, in his usual character, would not renege on his promises to students, saying the governor sees students as very important tools for the progress of his administration.
The Commissioner, while appreciating the student leaders for being proactive, applauded them for their readiness to consult with her office and pledged to use her office to facilitate the demands of the students from the government.
She said the present government in the state prioritised youth empowerment and social justice through meaningful inclusion in governance, promising that the Governor Makinde-led administration had ensured affordable access to quality education and the creation of gainful opportunities across all sectors of the economy for the young ones.
Adegoke assured the student leaders that she would make their demands the subject of discussion with the governor, promising to work with all concerned stakeholders to “ensure the demands are attended to in the shortest possible time.”
Some of the demands of the students include: the appointment of a Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Matters; approval for the distribution of student buses as promised by government, and reactivation of students’ bursary scheme.
The students also requested the approval and release of students palliative to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal and the improvement of school facilities, including lighting up all school campuses.
Earlier at the meeting, the Vice President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone D, Comrade Adegoke Ridwan, commended Governor Seyi Makinde’s giant strides on developmental projects in the state and pledged the students’ continuous support for the governor.
The student body leaders also congratulated the new Youth and Sports Commissioner, Adegoke, on her appointment, urging her to identify with students in the state, and operate an open door policy.
The student bodies that visited the commissioner were, the Federation of Oyo State Students Union (FOSSU), National Council, Federation Of Ibadan Students Union (FIBSU), Federation Of Ibarapa Students Association (FIBSA), Federation Of Ogbomoso Students Union (FOGSU), National Association Of Okeogun Students (NAOOS), and National Association of Oyo Students (NAOS).
Others include the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS), Oyo State JCC, as well as various student union presidents in Oyo State.
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