NANS Urges Gov. Adeleke To Appoint Qualified Individual As Commissioner Of Education

The leadership of National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) Southwest has urged the governor of Osun State, Sen. Ademola Adeleke to appoint a qualified individual as a Commissioner of Education.

This was revealed to our correspondent in a statement on Monday signed by the Assistant General Secretary of NANS Southwest, Comrade Oluwole Olutunde Aboke.

The leadership urged the governor to consider the appointment of a qualified individual who can lead the state education sector towards positive change and improvement.

The statement reads below:

“The leadership of the largest single union in Africa NANS southwest zonal structure and most especially Osun State wishes to thank Your Excellency for your contribution towards the last NANS Zone D elective convention that took place in the state capital between 16th – 18th June 2023. We appreciate your support financially and the fatherly role you played towards us and making sure the election was peaceful, free and fair. It’s a thing of joy that Osun State was able to secure two important post in the Zonal Structure. The acquisition of the office of the Assistant Secretary General (ASG) and Public Relation Officer (PRO) in person of Olatunde Aboke a.k.a Destiny and Bamigboye Peter a.k.a Dammygold, respectively, in the last convention is a thing of glory to the state and this is just the beginning of greatness and success under your watch as our Governor.

“Without further ado, we are writing this letter to firstly appreciate your intervention in the reversal of the School fees in Osun State Polytechnic Iree and the tax fee issue at the State College of Education Esa-Oke. We are equally compelled to bring to your attention several important concerns related to the education sector in our state. As concerned citizens and representative of the Nigerian Students that have massively contributed to the development of our educational society, we believe these issues require urgent attention and decisive action from your esteemed office.

OUR DEMANDS

1. Appointment of a Capable Hand as Commissioner of Education in the state:*

“Firstly, we would like to highlight the critical need for the appointment of a competent and experienced Commissioner of Education. The education system plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our state, and it requires strong leadership to address the various challenges it faces.

“Your Excellency we are aware you have lofty educational dreams for the youths of Osun as captured in your 5-point campaign promise to the good people of Osun, this attainable dream can only become a reality when you appoint someone with the accumen to carry and actualise the vision. We therefore urge you to carefully consider the appointment of a qualified individual who can lead the education sector towards positive change and improvement. This particular appointment should not be based on political consideration but rather on capacity to deliver.

“This is more so because the Commissioner of Education will be entrusted with providing visionary leadership to guide the education sector in our state. This individual must possess a deep understanding of educational issues, a vision for educational reform, and the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with various stakeholders.

2. Constitution of Governing Councils in All Tertiary Institutions in the state:

“We would like to draw your attention to the immediate need for the establishment of governing councils in all tertiary institutions within our state. A governing council comprising representatives from academia, other segments of the society including the local community can significantly contribute to effective decision-making, policy formulation, and overall governance of these institutions. This inclusive approach will foster accountability, transparency, and collaboration in the management of tertiary education. This governing council will checkmate the excess of the Rectors, Provost and Vice Chancellor (VC) in various schools in the state in addition to serving as the eyes and ears of government. Contituting the governing councils will enhance transparency and accountability in the management of tertiary institutions. The presence of independent council members ensures checks and balances, preventing any potential misuse of power or lack of accountability.Through their expertise, council members can guide the allocation of resources, such as funding, infrastructure development, and research initiatives, ensuring optimal utilization for the benefit of both students and faculty.

3. Infrastructure and Reduction of Tuition fees in the tertiary institutions in the state:*

“The Peoples Governor sir, another pressing concern is the state of infrastructure in our educational institutions. It is disheartening to witness dilapidated buildings, insufficient classrooms, and outdated facilities that hinder the learning environment for our students. We implore you to prioritize investments in education infrastructure, including the construction and renovation of schools, provision of modern equipment, and adequate learning spaces. By doing so, we can create an atmosphere conducive to effective teaching and learning. Also the financial burden faced by students and their families in pursuit of quality education cannot be overstated. Many of our students are unable to access higher education due to exorbitant tuition fees. We respectfully request your intervention in this matter by implementing policies that ensure a reduction in tuition fees across all levels of education. Such a step would enhance accessibility to education, promote inclusivity, and create opportunities for more individuals to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for their personal growth and our state’s development.

5. (a) Payment of Bursaries to Indigent Students:

“The timely payment of bursaries is essential to support deserving students in pursuing their education and alleviating their financial burden. We appeal that the process for the immediate commencement of the payment of busary should be initiated a. Streamlining Processes: Ensure that the processes for bursary disbursement are efficient, transparent, and free from unnecessary bureaucratic delays.

b. Adequate Funding: Allocate sufficient funds to meet the demand for bursaries, enabling students from all backgrounds, including indigenous communities, to access quality education.

“Mr. Governor sir, we believe in your leadership and vision to transform our education system and positively impact the lives of countless youths by addressing these concerns and taking appropriate actions, you can lay the foundation for a brighter future for our state.

“We trust in your commitment to the welfare of our society and believe that you will give due consideration to these pressing matters. Thank you for your attention to these agitations, and we look forward to witnessing positive changes in our education sector under your capable leadership.

“On the final note we want to pledge the support of all students in Osun to the success and sustainace of your administration beyond 2026.”