NANS Urges Uzodimma to Honour 2023 Promise on Vehicles, Mobility Support
By Anselem Anokwute
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Imo State, has commended the developmental initiatives of the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, while urging him to fulfil a commitment made in 2023 to provide vehicles and mobility support for student communities across tertiary institutions in the state.
NANS, in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Zone F (South-East), Comrade Ogbuehi Chikwado Pius, acknowledged the administration’s interventions in infrastructure and other sectors, describing them as initiatives capable of improving the welfare of residents.
However, the students’ body said commendation should not prevent it from demanding accountability over government commitments.
According to NANS, Governor Uzodimma made the promise in 2023 at the Imo State Government House to provide vehicles and mobility support for student communities and NANS leadership in the state.
It lamented that three years after the commitment was made, the promise was yet to be implemented.
The association asked: “How long will Imo students wait?”
NANS explained that student leaders require mobility to effectively represent students, move between campuses and government offices, respond to emergencies, engage security agencies and participate in national and zonal programmes.
It said the importance of the commitment had again become evident with the ongoing NANS Leadership Senate Sitting in Ebonyi State, where student leaders from across Nigeria were participating.
The association regretted that Imo State was unable to participate at the expected level, attributing the situation largely to inadequate mobility.
“Our leaders are willing. Our students are ready. Our representatives have the mandate. But the practical means to move them from Imo State to important national engagements remains a serious challenge,” NANS said.
The students’ body also appealed to the governor to accord student leaders the same level of recognition given to other stakeholders, stressing that students constitute an important component of the state’s future workforce, leadership and intellectual capacity.
NANS maintained that its demand was not politically motivated, but a call for fairness, recognition and fulfilment of a publicly made commitment.
“This is a demand for accountability, not an attack,” the association stated, stressing that reminding government of its commitments should not be interpreted as disrespect or rebellion.
NANS subsequently called on Governor Uzodimma to immediately revisit and implement the 2023 commitment, provide appropriate mobility support for NANS leadership, and engage directly with student representatives on a clear timeline for implementation.
It further urged the state government to recognise student leaders as genuine stakeholders in policies concerning education, youth development, security and the future of Imo State.
The association said three years was sufficient time for the commitment to have been fulfilled, noting that successive generations of student leaders had continued to wait for its implementation.
“The time for another promise is over. The time for implementation is now,” NANS declared.
While reiterating its appreciation of the Uzodimma administration’s developmental efforts, NANS said it remained willing to cooperate with the government on initiatives relating to education, security, empowerment and student welfare.
It, however, maintained that cooperation should not amount to silence, assuring that it would continue to engage the government constructively while speaking out on issues affecting Imo students.
NANS urged the governor to translate the 2023 promise into concrete action, insisting that investment in students was an investment in the future of Imo State.
