By Magnus Effiong
An association of past and present student union leaders in Cross River State, under the aegis of the Comrade Community, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to provide palliatives to students in the country to cushion effects of fuel subsidy removal.
In an interaction with Journalists in Calabar, the State Coordinator of the group, Comrade John Inaku, said providing palliatives was necessary in view of the hardship Nigerian students were exposed to as a result of the withdrawal of subsidy.
“We are calling on the government to turn their attention towards education to as to keep up the standard of learning in the country.
“Not only should more funding be given to education but we ask that Palliatives be made available to students..
“This is imperative because of the removal of subsidy and the suffering of the Nigerian students across board.
“There are many students who are stranded, many have had to stay off campus and trek long distances before they get to school and sometimes with hunger.
“We are calling on the government to speed up the release of Palliatives and it should not be merged with that of the society.
“Rather, a special consideration for students because of the peculiarities of the academic community so that students can feel a sense of belonging”, he said.
The group leader also pleaded that government should make good its promise of improved funding and provision of infrastructure.
He also appealed to well meaning individuals and people of goodwill to contribute their quota to the educational development of the country.
Also speaking, the co coordinator of the group, Castro Ezama called on the president to provide Palliatives like mass transit schemes to take care of the transportation needs of students who reside off campus.
He commended the students for maintaining decorum in the face of hardship but warned against anti social vices saying it will not take them anywhere.
The Comrade Community’s main agenda is to balance the interest and welfare of Nigerian students with the challenges of administration.
