According to Daily Trust, In Kwara State, a group of polytechnic students staged a protest on Thursday, voicing their frustration over their alleged exclusion from the ongoing National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in Nigeria.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
The students, primarily from Kwara State Polytechnic and the Federal Polytechnic in Offa, marched through the streets of Ilọrin, specifically along Ahmadu Bello Way, carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs.
Their demonstration highlighted a growing sense of injustice and urgency regarding their situation, as they called on the federal government to immediately reverse the policy that has left them in a state of uncertainty.
Displaying slogans such as “No to discrimination,” “Give us our rights,” and “Reverse the injustice,” the students articulated their concerns about being left out of the mobilization process during the registration for the second stream of Batch C.
They expressed that this exclusion has stalled their career progression and left them feeling abandoned.
The students argued that the government should reconsider its stance on this issue, much like it previously did with the 18-year-old entry requirement for tertiary institutions, as they believe that their futures and the sacrifices they made deserve recognition.
Comrade Adelowo Tofunmi Busayo, a representative of the protesting students, addressed officials from the state NYSC who were present at the demonstration.
He stated, “As Part-Time National Diploma students, we enrolled as Full-Time HND and did the JAMB regularization to enable us to serve as many of our colleagues had done. But suddenly without any prior notification, they said we could no longer serve.”
His words resonated with the crowd, encapsulating their collective sentiment of betrayal and confusion.
Busayo continued, expressing disappointment that the federal government seemingly overlooked their plight regarding a decision that has jeopardized their careers and years of hard work.
“We plead with the NYSC, minister of education, JAMB registrar, and the national leadership of the NLC, among other agencies and bodies of government that have connection with this issue, to intervene. Some of our parents have started doubting our claims as students, and the NLC particularly should help find a solution if it’s the new minimum wage for corpers that is the issue.”
He urged the government to take note of the potential long-term implications of this policy, particularly in light of the previous reversal concerning university admissions for 18-year-olds.
“The federal government reversed the policy barring 18-year-olds from being admitted into the university; this should not be an exception because of the implication on our future,” he stated.
Another protestor, Comrade Kehinde Tanimola, who graduated three years ago, expressed a deep sense of despair.
“We have become like orphans. Some of us have fallen into depression as both the private and public sector employers are requesting for our NYSC certificates,” he lamented.
Tanimola emphasized their peaceful intentions, saying, “We are here as an apostle of peace,” while also urging the NYSC representatives to escalate their grievances to higher authorities.
Tanimola made it clear that time was of the essence, giving the NYSC officials a 24-hour ultimatum to address their concerns. “This is not a threat but a plea. However, if this is not done despite this peaceful action, then we move to our next line of action,” he warned, indicating that their patience was wearing thin.
In response to the students, Mrs. Adewuyi Omolabake, representing the state coordinator of NYSC, provided a glimmer of hope.
She assured the protestors that their concerns would not be ignored.
“Your grievances will not be killed or swept under the carpet; we will notify the appropriate quarters,” she promised, acknowledging the students’ plight and the need for intervention.
As the protest concluded, the students left with mixed emotions, holding onto the hope that their voices would be heard and that a resolution would be forthcoming.
Their demonstration serves as a reminder of the challenges facing many young Nigerians as they seek to navigate the complexities of educational and career pathwaysCONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
