* NADESSTU Issues 7 Days Ultimatum To Okowa
As mixed reactions continued to trail the termination of Delta state Ist Class Graduate Scholarship Scheme by governor Ifeanyi Okowa, the National Association of Nigerian Students, Delta axis is said to have concluded all arrangement to stage a mass protest against Okowa.
HardReporters correspondent reliably learnt, that NANS has vowed to fight the scheme termination with the last drop of its blood.
An executive member of NANS who spoke with one of our correspondents on phone described governor Okowa as a “Destiny killer” with penchants for discrediting his predecessor’s policies, adding that NANS is has concluded all arrangement to revolt against Okowa and his “Inhuman policies”.
“Few years ago, first class graduates were offered this scholarship by former governor Uduaghan led government to study up to ph.D level. Many of them had to resign from their lucrative jobs to study abroad in line with State government’s agenda. After much sacrifices in terms of many years of burning the midnight candle, enduring adverse whether condition in foreign lands, selling personal properties to augment government stipends, leaving families and friends, among other things, their scholarship was suspended abruptly at the verge of graduation.
“This is traumatic to say the least! It is surprising that even states like Kaduna, Sokoto and Lagos initiated scholarship schemes this year, while Delta State with 13 percent derivation, large allocation from federation account and third largest receiver of Paris club refund among the 36 States of the federation is citing paucity of funds as the reason for scholarship suspension.
“The pertinent questions are: had it been governor’s son is an awardee, would he have suspended the programme? Is rewarding reality show winner more important than education? We therefore advise governor Okowa to rescind its decision to suspend the scholarship in the interest of Delta state education and posterity.” The NANS member said.
Meanwhile, the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Delta axis has condemned in strong terms the abrupt termination of Delta state Ist Class Graduate Scholarship Scheme by governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
In a statement released last night, titled “The National Association Of Nigerian Students Delta Axis Condemn Suspension Of 1st Class Graduate Scholarship Scheme”, and signed the state chairman of NANS, Comrade Ejiro Ayigbe, and made available to HardReporters, said the Association received the news of the suspension with dismay.
“The National Association Of Nigerian Students Delta Axis receive with dismay, condemn and frown at the unholy resolution of the Delta state government through the Delta state bursary and scholarship board on its decision to suspend the 1st Class graduate scholarship scheme.
“The Association wish to describe the act as failure of service delivery, we are aware just as stated by the Delta state bursary and scholarship board that most beneficiaries solely depend and rely on the scholarship for the payment of tuition and other fees. The state government has no standing foundation to convince the Nigerian students that her reason to suspend the 1st Class graduate scheme is due to the financial downturn in the state.
“The scheme is the only scheme available to encourage academic hard work and excellence therefore the government can not afford to suspend it unless an alternative measure will be provided. We urge the state government to have a re-think as this is not a good time to make her 1st class citizens suffer or put them in the street without job looking for how to assist themselves in paying their tuition and other fees.
“If the government of the day consider education a priority, they will find a solution or otherwise give excuse. We use this opportunity to charge the office of the Special Assistant and Political Aide to the governor on Students Matter to make moves as for the government to reconsider their stand.” the statement said.
As at the time of this report, NADESSTU has also expressed its decision to join NANS to stage a protest against governor Okowa.
In a press statement signed by NADESSTU President, Comrade Agolo Samson, gave governor Okowa seven days ultimatum to reverse his decision or be prepared to face the wrath of Delta state students.
The protest is a step in the right direction. This is an insensitive government and an embarrassment to democracy.
Extremely embrassing! What will then happen to those stranded abroad? And other students looking forward to the scholarship???