Northern students have been urged to stay away from the nationwide protest planned against the growing hardship faced by Nigerians.
This call was made to the students by the Coalition of Concerned Northern Youths on Wednesday, July 17, at a press conference in Kano.
Jibril Bello, the national coordinator for the coalition said that all Northern students must distance themselves from participating in the upcoming nationwide protest.
Some Nigerian youths have put plans in place to commence a nationwide protest beginning from August 1 to 10, 2024. No leader has been identified since discussions around the planned protest started across various social media platforms especially, on X.
President Tinubu’s administration has done well for students
However, Bello said, contrary to the claims from the discussions online, the group is satisfied with the policies and plans of the President Bola Tinubu-led Administration in the educational sector, particularly the introduction of the NELFUND scheme.
He said that the unanimous decision of the group is a sequel to its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Kano.
He urged his fellow students and youths to refrain from participating in the protest, citing uncertainty about the organisers’ intentions and potential violence.
Bello’s words, “The planned protest organisers are unnamed and actually the aim of the protest is also unknown to us, and we are uncertain whether their intentions are peaceful or violent.
“We do know of the hardship in this current time. Your safety and well-being are our top priority.
“We also understand the economic hardship in Nigeria, but as students, your future is paramount,” he said.
Bello also urged the students to prioritise their future and education while highlighting the present administration’s consideration in providing interest-free educational loans to support their studies.
“This administration has shown consideration for students by making educational loans available without interest, ensuring that you can focus on your studies now and secure jobs in the future to repay these loans,” he said.
