Students of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, have taken a stand not to join the proposed nationwide protest scheduled to start on Thursday 1st August 2024.
The students through their various representatives made their position known during a parley with the management of the University on Tuesday 30th July 2024 at the Senate Chamber of the University.
Speaking on behalf of the Students of the University , the President of the Students Union Government SUG Comrade Buhari Bombay said they will rather opt for dialogue as a means of addressing grievances rather than embarking on protests and risking the precious lives of his dear students.
Comrade Buhari while commending management of the University under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman for the proactive approach to students security and welfare urged the students to remain calm and go about their normal academic activities and shun monetary inducements to join the protest.
Earlier, in her remark, the convener of the parley and Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman informed the students that they are all aware of the hardship the country is currently facing and the concerted efforts Government’s all levels are putting to make life easier and more pleasurable for her citizens.
Professor Sa’adatu acknowledged the fact that protests are fundamental human rights as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, noting that Protests are a means of ventilating opinions as it relates to situations be it economic, Political, and what have you, but these protests need to be guided by the rules of engagement.
The Vice-Chancellor explained that while protests are legal and allowed by the law, there is always a high tendency that these protests will be hijacked by hoodlums to cause destruction to lives and properties, she cited the end SARS protest and its attendant consequences as a reference point of what protests can cause.
Professor Sa’adatu stated that “it is on this premise that we want to plead with our dear leaders of tomorrow to shelve the idea of joining the protest but engage in meaningful dialogue that will bring about peace and prosperity”.
The Vice-Chancellor used the platform to encourage the students to remain in school and attend their scheduled lectures, as management has taken all steps with security agencies to secure them.
The parley featured a talk on security tips by the Chief Security Officer of the University, Lt. Col. John Aboh Rtd.
Information and Protocol Unit, 2024.