University of Maiduguri students to get safety tips against Boko Haram attack

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has said it will come up with measures to protect students in the North-East especially students in the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID).

NANS President, Mr. Chinonso Obasi, who made disclosure on Wednesday during a briefing to mark his one year in office, said the students were worried by the incessant attacks on UNIMAID.

He said that the association had set up a committee on safety of students in the North-East as they had been on receiving end of attacks.

Obasi called on the security agencies to adopt `drastic measures’ to forestall further attacks on UNIMAID in order to ensure academic stability in the institution.

“It is very unfortunate that our constituency has been the major recipient of attacks ranging from insurgency to kidnapping.

“The government on its part should go beyond condolences and take practical steps to stem the tide of attacks, protect students and make the environment conducive for learning.

“We have constituted a committee for Nigerian students in the North-East and we will soon unveil safety tips,’’ he said.

On trespass by cattle rearers into institutions of learning, Obasi said that the only solution was the implementation of the 2014 National Conference report which recommended grazing reserves.

Obasi, who recounted some of his achievements within one year as NANS president, said he declined many offers by politicians to compromise.

He said that the student’s body, under his leadership, championed anti-corruption campaign in higher institutions and exposed some chief executives who had either been suspended or under investigation.

The NANS president said that it was the appealed made by the association that led to the inclusion of National Youth Service Corps in the National Health Insurance Scheme.

He said: “We contributed to the pressure that led to the passage of the bill allowing law graduates of the National Open University of Nigeria to be accepted into the Nigerian Law School.

“NANS, under my watch, has resisted many attempts to be used by politicians for selfish gains.

“NANS, in the past one year has not paid visit to any politician, despite distractions

“There are many instances where politicians have approached us and we turned them down but they always have where to fall back,’’

Obasi said that NANS, in the past one year, had not done anything to compromise the interest of Nigerian students.

He listed some demands of the association as the implementation of UNESCO standard for education budget, reduction in fees charged by public tertiary institutions, return of efficient scholarship scheme.

Others are the provision of adequate and decent halls of residence on campuses and introduction of feeding subsidy for students.

He said that his tenure had come to an end having served for one year, adding the transition process had started.

Obasi said he would remain NANS president until a new person was elected.

In his remark, the immediate past President of NANS, Mr Tijani Yusuf, said that Obasi was the duly elected president who succeeded him.

He added that any other person parading himself as NANS president should be disregarded.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of a mini compendium of Nigerian students demands titled “The Irreducible Minimum’’ which was compiled by Obasi.

Source: ( PM News )