By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
The indigenous students of Osun State under the aegis of the National Association of Osun State Students, (NAOSS) has charged Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke to prioritise the education sector for the benefit of the people of the state.
The Union urged the new government to embark on policies that will enhance educational standards across the nooks and crannies of the State.
Addressing journalists on Thursday, at a Press Conference held at the NUJ, Correspondents chapel, Osogbo, the Union President, Comrade Yusuf Agboola urged Governor Adeleke to be objective in constituting heads of state institutions devoid of political, religious or ethnic sentiment.
Agboola pleaded with the Governor to consider the future of the teeming NAOSSITE who deserve the best management.
He said the NAOSS body is a major stakeholder with a population of close to two million students in line with the data base – both Secondary and Tertiary institution.
Agboola said, “We appeal to his Excellency to bring back the days of competitive secondary school where the state government bankrolls the WAEC and NECO examinations for outstanding students.
“We urge Mr Governor to be objective in constituting state institutions’ heads devoid of political, religious or ethnic sentiment and please consider the future of the teeming NAOSSITE who deserve the best management and not nothing more.
“Mr Governor sir, we’re so confident in your capacity and we believe you will consider these our advocacy as a sincere contribution to complement your developmental plans for the state.
“It’s not news that Osun state homes an array of most reputable institutions across the country, hence, the need to leverage on the legacy of outstanding educational delivery.
“Bursary has been a highly coveted intervention for students in time immemorial and we urge you to pay our bursary even at an unprecedented rate and we trust you will do so. Scholarship programmes are essentially needed to assist indigent students who are potential assets to the state. Specifically, the medical and law school students should be given due recognition in this regard.
“Your Excellency sir, Osun state is blessed with deposit of gold, tourmaline, aqua, beryl, tantalites, other precious stones, and alluvial deposit. The State ought to hold its future in its hands by equipping the State University and other technical institutions with facilities to train students in chemical engineering, mineral resources development and other relevant courses that will allow our State to explore the full potential of the natural gift by itself right in the state, a case study of Singapore.
“We believe that this is achievable. Students stakeholders in the state are highly talented and resourceful. We urge you to make your government inclusive of youth by giving them due recognition and opportunities in governance. This will be highly appreciated,” he said