In an open letter addressed to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Federation of Oyo State Student Union (FOSSU) has urgently appealed for the fulfillment of promises made to students across the state. The letter, signed by Sen. Alarape Ibrahim, the National President of FOSSU, highlights several pledges made by Governor Makinde during various occasions.
The promises in question include commitments to Students Bursary, the establishment of the FOSSU National Secretariat, and the provision of a Students Union Bus. These assurances, delivered at events such as the Government House meeting on October 17, 2022, the International Students Day at ICC Ibadan on November 17, 2022, and the Fresh FM town hall meeting in Ibadan on January 29, 2023, have raised hopes among the student community in Oyo State.
While the approval of a bursary sum of #500,000 naira for every Law Student of Oyo origin attending law school has been acknowledged, concerns have been raised regarding its potential divisive impact. FOSSU emphasizes the importance of fostering an inclusive society that values all fields of study equally, especially amidst the national challenge of brain drain, particularly in the health sector.
FOSSU urges Governor Makinde to reconsider and ensure a fair and balanced distribution of resources, promoting egalitarianism in educational support. The letter emphasizes that allocating a reasonable bursary reflecting the economic realities of the country would alleviate burdens faced by students amid economic downturns.
As stakeholders deeply invested in the future of Oyo State, FOSSU implores Governor Makinde to expedite the fulfillment of promises made to the student community. While understanding the challenges faced by the administration, FOSSU warns that failure to meet these promises may lead to peaceful protests in the near future.
The student body expresses trust in Governor Makinde’s commitment to the betterment of Oyo State and its citizens, particularly the student community. They believe that prompt attention to their concerns would not only demonstrate dedication to education but also reinforce trust and confidence in the leadership.
