The National Association of Nigerian Students Joint Campus Committee, Ondo Axis, has announced plans to stage a mass protest on Thursday against what it described as “the Ondo State Government’s persistent neglect of student welfare and educational infrastructure.”
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its chairman, Oluwarotimi Joshua, and NANS South West Zone D Deputy Coordinator, Naheem Ademola, the association lamented the government’s failure to address their demands despite multiple engagements and peaceful dialogues.
The protest, according to NANS, scheduled for Thursday, March 27, 2025, aims to highlight the deteriorating conditions of tertiary institutions in the state, the lack of student-friendly policies, and the insecurity affecting students, particularly those undergoing the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme.
“Our demands are clear and just. We have engaged in peaceful dialogue, written official letters, and made numerous appeals, yet our cries have been ignored. Enough is enough! The government must act now,” the statement read.
Among the key demands outlined by NANS include the immediate implementation of student-centered policies, renovation and equipping of institutional facilities, construction and rehabilitation of hostels, and improved security for students, particularly those on SIWES programs.
Other demands include the government’s fulfillment of its promise to procure student buses, support for student entrepreneurship and skill acquisition programs, justice for the attack on NANS members in Ogbese, and the inclusion of student representatives in education policy-making.
“The attack on our members at Ogbese remains unaddressed. We will not stand idly while students are left vulnerable and neglected. We are calling on the government to do the needful before this issue escalates further,” the statement added.
NANS also urged all students in the state to participate in the planned demonstration, emphasising that it would be peaceful but resolute in pressing home their demands.
“The power of the students must never be undermined. We are determined to hold the government accountable and demand the quality education and welfare we deserve,” the statement concluded.