We Don’t Need N30,000 Cash Dispensary, Abia Students Tell Ikpeazu

Students in Abia state under the aegis of Abia Joint Students Leaders have appealed to the state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu to reverse the decision to offer them the sum of N30,000 bursary to mitigate the effects of COVID-19.

The students urged the governor to instead covert the sum to their fees and deduct from source, saying this will be more impactful to them.

In a statement made available to ABN TV, signed by the leaders of various student union bodies, they also called on the governor to consider offering students from other institutions such us Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, Abia State College of Education (Technical) Arochukwu, Abia State College of Health sciences and management technology, Aba, Abia State teaching hospital, Aba, Abia State school of nursing, federal medical centre, Umuahia, Abia State school of nursing, Amachara and school of midwifery, Amachara, Umuahia, saying there are also Abia students’ in all these institutions and not just ASUU students alone.

“That instead of the Bursary Allocation of thirty thousand naira (N30,000,00) to each Abia students, we kindly appeal for the school fees to be reduced and hence deducted directly as it will also give more credence and hope to Abia students in various Institutions in Abia State,” they said.

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The students also expressed concern over the prolonged ASUU strike that has deprived them opportunity to go back to school, mourning their colleague, Anthony Ikechukwu who was killed during the #EndSARS protest in Lagos.

“We are saddened and concerned over ASUU Strike which has kept most of us at home and thereby depriving us of our Fundamental right of studying as Nigerian students and we also urge the Federal Government to swiftly respond positively as the future of our students is at stake which is totally unacceptable, as your leaders, we shall continue to engage the relevant authorities critically and otherwise to ensure that the needful is done.

“With a heart filled with pain and regrets, we commiserate with the family of Late Anthony Ikechukwu, one of us, a student of Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike who was a victim of the Lekki toll gate massacre as a result of the #ENDSARS Protest and pray for his soul to find rest in the bossom of the lord.

“However, the state of Campuses in all the tertiary institutions in Abia State has been a major concern to us as it is our topmost priority to ensure that your comfort and emancipation are accurately achieved.

“We, therefore appreciate the Executive Governor of Abia State, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu PhD for his quick response in scrapping of the Pandemic prevention fee of fifteen thousand naira only ( N15,000,00) Imposed on Abia State University, Uturu Students as well as his pronouncement for bursary allocation of thirty thousand naira only (N30,000,00) for each ABSU Students,” they added.

They continued, “That other Abia Students from other institutions in Abia State are feeling sidelined by their father and executive Governor of Abia State for not being captured in the Bursary budget and as such, we solicit passionately for inclusiveness.

“Citing the state of Campuses of the aforementioned institutions in Abia State, the leadership wish to make some pertinent request for urgent attention from the Government of Abia State, which are as follows:

“(1) Government urgent intervention over the case of Comr Ebere Jonadab, former SUG President of Abia State College of Health sciences and management technology, Aba who was unlawfully suspended from academics activities due to an unverified incident without a fair hearing by the management of the school under The administration of Prof. Chidi Felix Ezeama and charged to court over a year now, thereby preventing him from graduating as at when due.

“(2) Urgent intervention of the Government over the challenges affecting Nigerian students in our various Campuses which includes:

“(A) Provision of Transformer for electricity to enable schools to function effectively in her technical departments.

“(B) Rehabilitation of hostels, classrooms, roads and Students’ union Secretariats in selected Institutions, especially

*Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike.

*Abia State Polytechnic Aba.

*Abia State College of Education (Technical) Arochukwu.

*Abia State College of Health sciences and management technology, Aba.

*Abia State College of Nursing, Federal medical centre, Umuahia.

*Abia State College of Nursing, Amachara.

* Abia Sch of midwifery Amachara, Umuahia.

(C) Provision of Students’ union Vehicles.

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“(3) We kindly appeal for a town hall meeting with all the Students’ Union leaders of various institutions which will help us to address other pertinent issues.

” ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE LEADERSHIP OF THE STUDENTS COMMUNITY AT LARGE, WE HAVE RECEIVED SERIES OF COMPLAINTS FROM VARIOUS QUARTERS, WE WISH TO STATE AS FOLLOWS:

“(1) That the entire leadership of the Students’ Community in Abia State are displeased with the activities of her NANS Stakeholders which has in recent times brought reproach in the leadership.

“(2) We, hereby dissociate ourselves from the activities of the NANS Stakeholders in Abia state as it does not represent the interest of Nigerian students in Abia State.

“(3)We hereby unionimously, resolve for an Advisory Council to be constituted and those to be fit in such council must be competent enough to play Advisory roles to the leadership when necessary.

“(4) That the office of Special Assistant to Governor on Students’Affairs should kindly take necessary actions and incorporate the entire leadership in ensuring it’s a success and her duties clearly specified for the interest of Nigerian students.

“Lastly, we appreciate all and sundry for their collective efforts to ensure that One of us, Divine Stanley, a student of MOUAU who was unlawfully Incarcerated by Lagos state police command during the #ENDSARS Protest will be released unconditionally and at the same time, Sincerely appreciate Chief Bar. Osoka Okala Jnr for his unreserved benevolence towards Nigerian students and ensuring it’s a success”.

Thanks.

Signed…

Comr Modesta Ngozi
NANS National Rep, Abia State

Comr Frank Eme Orji
NANS Zonal Rep, Abia State

Comr Savior Prosper
NANS JCC Chairman

Comr Nwakanma John
SUG President, ABSU

Comr Otuonye Famous
SUG President, MOUAU

Comr. Nwosu Favor Osita
SUG President, ASCETA

Comr. Hope Onyeama
SUG President, ABIAPOLY

Comr. Nwosu Victor Iroham
SUG President, Abia State College of Health, Aba

Comr. Ejimole Queen Robert
SUG President, Abia state School of midwifery, Amachara.

Comr. Nwachukwu Stella Chika
NAASS National Vice President

Comr. Prince Udensi
NAASS National Scribe

Comr. Okereke Johnson
NANS JCC deputy Chairman

Comr Ojukwu Deborah C
SUG General Secretary of Sch of basic midwifery, Amachara.

Comr. Umozurike Agnes O.
SUG Vice President, ASCETA

Comr. Ikenga justice Ndubuisi
SUG director for transport,
ASCETA

Comr. Benson mercy Chinazum
NANS JCC director for gender.

Comr. Remijus Nwazuo
NAASS National President.

Comr. Kingsley Ekejuba
NAASS National Senate President.

Amusuo Chukwudi Cajetan
Former SUG Speaker of ABSU and former NANS JCC PRO.
SSA Media and publicity, NANS Zonal Rep,
Abia state.

RT. Hon. Gideon C Okezie
SUG Speaker , MOUAU &
Chairman, Council of SUG Speakers in Abia State.

Comr. Chimezie Ezemdi Zionel
Former SUG PRO and SUG Secretary, ABSU.
Director for publicity, NANS Zone B coordinator.