Protesting students warn governor to reverse 'anti-education policy'

Students of tertiary institutions in Ondo state on Monday, March 19, 2018, issued a seven-day ultimatum to the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu to reverse his administrations education policy.

While protesting in Akure, the state capital, the students stormed the State's Scholarship Board located at Oke Eda/Alagbaka and disrupted official activities.

The students under the aegis of National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS) condemned governor Akeredolu's abolition of free education in primary and secondary schools in the state.

The protesting students also condemned the introduction of WAEC and NECO fee, non-payment of bursary, and an alleged plan by the state government to increase tuition of the state-owned Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA) from forty thousand Naira to two hundred thousand Naira.

Speaking with journalists, Comrade Olanrewaju Akeredolu, the President of the National Association of Ondo State Students( NAOSS) said the students have not enjoyed bursary since Akeredolu became the state governor.

According to Akeredolu, (the students' president), all efforts made by the NAOSS and NANS to meet the governor over their plight failed.

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“We are giving the state government 7-day ultimatum to ascend to our demands or face a mega protest that would shut entire government’s activities in Akure,” he said.

Ondo State Government reacts

However, Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Yemi Olowolabi has reacted to the students'' allegations against the governor.

Owolabi dismissed the allegation that Akeredolu's administration was engaging in anti-people education policies. He added that the state government would soon commence the payment of bursary and scholarship of students from the state.