The factional president of National Association of Nigerian Students NANS, Umar Faruk popularly known as Fakky has declared that his interest is to ensure that the strike action by ASUU is called off.
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen by Umar Faruk as read in part:
“I will start by expressing my profound gratitude to Almighty Allah, who has been with us throughout this turbulent journey.
“I sincerely appreciate the esteemed Senators of our dear organization who have stood on the path of honour regardless of the hurdles.
“To the stakeholders who have upheld the true tenets of our founding father. Your efforts are well appreciated.
“I thank members of the Convention Planning Committee who never derailed from the ideology of our progenitors. The impartial efforts of the security agencies are well acknowledged.
To my co-contestants, we have all given a good fight, but now is the time to forge ahead.
Among the Best Nigerian Students!
My election as President of our beloved organization, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), marks the beginning of a new era of struggle.This is indeed a REVIVIFICATION AGENDA as we are set to revive the lost glory of our organization. It is high time we rejigged the dreams of our founding fathers for a better education system.
Although there were some destructive elements that tried to shortchange the general will of Nigerian students during the process of the just concluded convention, They formed oppression and tried to buy the students’ mandate. They orchestrated different vicious plans that were inimical to the existence of our organization, but with the support of genuine students and NANS Senators, light conquered darkness. Our victory is blossoming, and it comes with great glory.
Let me take you a bit down a historical lane. The struggle for emancipation of Nigerian students started with the creation of the West African Students Union (WASU) under our erudite ancestor, Ladipo Solanke, in 1925. The establishment of University College Ibadan in 1945 begot a new era of struggle as the National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS) replaced WASU.
Between 1925 and 1978, when NUNS was banned by the Military Junta of Olusegun Obasanjo after the Ali Must Go Protest, Nigeria students were at the forefront of many struggles for the betterment of our dear nation. With the coming of the Civilian Administration, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) was born in 1981 as a replacement for the abrogated NUNS. The noble association that has stood firmly through the thick and thin to present a voice to Nigerian students till the moment.
I must acknowledge the fact that along the line of our existence, different individuals who have manned capacity in one way or another have committed blunders that have brought the association to disrepute, but my emergent today presents another golden opportunity to rewrite the wrongs. I recognize the onerous task ahead of me, I have surrendered myself to the service of Nigerian students and I promise never to fail you.
On The State of the Nation
We acknowledge the fact that our dear nation is presently passing through a tough time, and we are ready to be partners in progress as we shall work together with other relevant authorities to bring normalcy back to the system.
ASUU STRIKE
It is disheartening to see university students at home for the past 6 months. The fact that the leadership of ASUU and the Federal government have held a series of meetings without a fruitful outcome is heartbreaking. NANS, under my leadership, is ready to be the genuine voice of the students in this negotiation as we demand an immediate end to the prolonged industrial actions. Failure to have resolution within the shortest period available will be faced with decisive action from Nigerian students.
National Security
The primary duty of any government is the security of the lives and properties of its citizens. It’s a sign of systemic and leadership failure if people are living as hostages in their home country. However, we recognise the fact that security should be our collective effort. My leadership is ready to partner with the Federal Government and security agencies to brainstorm and proffer workable templates for the security of lives and properties in our beloved nation.
ECONOMY
Nigeria’s economy has continuously experienced a pathetic downtown. Inflation is on the high side, unemployment is increasing, debt is piling up while our currency falls like a downpour on a daily basis. Braindrain is another issue that poses a challenge to the future. It is indeed a hard time to be a Nigerian. NANS, under my leadership, is ready to partner with the Federal Government and other necessary authorities to provide a lasting solution to these challenges.
FINAL NOTE
The fight is over and the battle has ended. As my emergent is a victory to genuine Nigerian students yearning for proactive leadership, I believe there is no winner or vanquished.My emergent is indeed a sign of new things to come to the education sector as I am ready to bring all hands on deck to enhance progress and success in all ramifications.
I can’t do this alone. I need the total cooperation of Nigerian students, NANS Cadres, Security Agencies, Sister’s Unions and other relevant stakeholders. This is indeed the beginning of the manifestation of great things”.