Nigeria’s Obafemi Awolowo Varsity Students Threaten Protest Over Fuel Crisis
Students from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, represented by the Great Ife Students’ Union, have issued a stern warning to the administration of President Bola Tinubu regarding the ongoing fuel crisis. The President of the Students’ Union, Abbas Akinremi Ojo, conveyed their concerns in a statement released on Sunday, highlighting the severe impact of the crisis on students’ lives.
Ojo expressed deep distress over the dire situation students face due to the escalating fuel prices and the resulting transportation difficulties. He emphasized the unbearable burden imposed by the government’s economic policies, stating that students can no longer tolerate the consequences.
The decision to remove fuel subsidies last year sparked skepticism among many, including students, who doubted the government’s ability to mitigate the ensuing hardships. Since President Tinubu’s announcement of the subsidy removal, Nigerians, particularly students, have grappled with numerous economic challenges, including soaring electricity tariffs and an increased cost of living.
The adverse effects of the government’s capitalist policies have affected everyone, with students bearing a significant portion of the burden. Despite these challenges, students remain committed to their academic pursuits. However, recent events such as fuel shortages and price fluctuations have severely disrupted students’ lives, leaving them stranded both on campus and in town.
Public transportation services have been severely affected by fuel shortages, while fuel stations exploit the situation by unjustly hiking prices. This has left students immobile and struggling to access basic necessities.
The reasons behind the fuel scarcity remain unclear, with government agencies failing to fulfill their responsibilities. In a country as resource-rich as Nigeria, obtaining fuel should not be a struggle, yet accessibility remains a persistent challenge despite exorbitant expenses.
Frustrated by the government’s inaction, students demand immediate intervention to address the fuel scarcity, curb hoarding practices, and regulate prices. They also call for the revival of the country’s four refineries to alleviate the crisis.
If the government fails to address these demands within the next 48 hours, students vow to take to the streets in protest until their grievances are addressed. They emphasize that the fuel crisis poses a significant threat to their academic pursuits and must be resolved promptly.
Sahara Reporters
