Address current economic hardship or face mass protests, varsity students tell FG

The National Association of University Students (NAUS) has issued a warning to the Federal Government to address the current economic hardship facing the country, or face mass protests from university students nationwide.

In a statement signed by Ayobami Eruobami, National Security Director of NAUS, made available to BusinessDay on Tuesday, the association expressed deep concern over the pressing issues of hunger, unemployment, lack of access to education, and insecurity plaguing the nation.

“The federal government must take immediate and concrete steps to address these pressing issues, or we will be forced to take to the streets in protest. Students are the future leaders of this country, and we cannot afford to stay idle while our country burns,” Eruobami said.

Recall that Nigerians across the country had threatened to begin mass protest against current economic hardship, calling for an end to bad governance.

NAUS, in the statement highlighted the escalating cost of living, high levels of unemployment, and limited access to quality education as major concerns, adding that “many students are struggling to survive, and some have even dropped out of school due to financial constraints.”

The students body, thereby demands that the federal government takes urgent action to provide economic stimulus packages to alleviate hunger and poverty, create job opportunities for graduates and stimulate economic growth.

It further demand “increase in funding for education and make it more accessible to all and ensure security and safety for all citizens, particularly students.”

The association vowed to mobilise students across the country to protest if their demands are not met.

“We will not be silenced or intimidated. We will fight for our rights and the future of our country,” Eruobami declared.