The newly elected leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Ogun State Joint Campus Committee, has called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to urgently prioritise infrastructural upgrade and improved funding across state-owned tertiary institutions.
The appeal was made on Thursday by the new chairman of Ogun NANS JCC, Gabriel Francis, during the inauguration of the association’s new leadership and an educational summit held at the Ogun State Polytechnic of Health and Allied Sciences, Ilese-Ijebu, in Ijebu North-East Local Government Area.
Francis commended the governor for his past support for the student community and investments in education but noted that “significant gaps still exist” that must be urgently addressed to strengthen the state’s higher institutions.
He said, “Our institutions urgently need modern classrooms, functional laboratories, well-equipped libraries, safe learning environments, reliable transportation systems and decent hostels. These are not luxuries—they are necessities for meaningful education.”
The students’ leader also demanded increased subvention for tertiary institutions in the state, stressing that funding gaps continue to undermine the quality of teaching and overall campus experience.
According to him, “Adequate subvention is the backbone of institutional stability. Many campuses are struggling with insufficient funding, and this affects staff motivation, resource availability and the overall learning environment. We strongly appeal for an enhanced subvention structure to help our institutions function effectively.”
Francis further urged the state government to reactivate and expand its bursary and scholarship schemes to cushion the economic hardship affecting students and their families.
He added, “At a time like this when economic realities are hitting homes hard, bursaries are lifelines. A structured, timely and transparent bursary system will support retention, promote excellence and reduce the burden on students.”
He assured stakeholders that his administration would prioritise accountability, inclusiveness and the welfare of students across all campuses.
In his goodwill message, the National Public Relations Officer of NANS, Adeyemi Ajasa, advised the new executive to remain focused on the core goals of the student movement.
Ajasa said, “The survival and relevance of the Ogun JCC depend entirely on its commitment to students’ welfare. Every comrade must understand the difference between commitment and subservience. Loyalty is not stupidity.”
He reaffirmed that NANS would continue advocating for students’ welfare, campus safety and increased government investment in tertiary education.
