EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria are currently in a Worrisome state, NANS VP explodes

Comrade Gbenga in this exclusive interview with DammyInforms Blog decries the depreciating state of educational structure in the country. DammyInforms reports:

Can you please  introduce yourself , your academic background, political antecedent and so on?

 I am Comrade Ayenuro Timileyin Gbenga, a student of Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Applied Geophysics Department who hails from Igbobi Town, Ilaje Local Government, Ondo state. I earlier attended Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state. I am a former Students' Union Welfare Director, FUTA; Former NANS JCC Ondo Axis Public Relations Officer; Former Youth President, Igbobi Youth Development Association, Ilaje; Former National Financial Secretary, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS); President, FUTA Safety Club and presently, NANS Vice President, National Affairs.

Before you contested to be the VP of NANS, can you share some of your achievements while you held previous political positions?

 I have been active since my first day on campus. I stand for the Emancipation of Nigerian Students and to provide enormous support for Nigerian students, to fight for the students and making sure students' yearning got desirable result. I once organized a programme on the Campaign Against Insecurity, Cultism on our campus on May, 2014 when I was the National Financial Secretary; I also organized a sensitization rally for hundreds of Nigerian students on April 4, 2014, the program enlightened students on their role in Electioneering process, it was tagged as 'NEW YOU, NEW NIGERIA'. I also addressed National issues and matters dealing with students on National Dailies. I fought for the provision of Electricity supply to Akindeko Hall of Residence, Abiola Hostel, Jibowu Hostel in Federal University of Technology, Akure; agitated for the supply of water, toilet facilities, comfortable lecture theatre when I was the Welfare Director of the SUG and other welfare issues. The well-being of FUTA students was my utmost priority when I was serving and still do so. I organized the first and ever-massive Welfare Day in FUTA which was crowded with over twenty thousand students was organized which inform the students broadly. We stood against the protracted industrial strike action embarked upon by Academic Staff Union of Universities in June, 2013 and the protest produced a desirable result; the removal of fuel subsidy; illegal democratic practices in some states of the federation a lots more apart of what we fight against. We addressed some pertaining issues dealing with State of the nation.

There has continued to be cases of allegations that the student body always steer to the direction of the govt to the detriment of Nigerian students, how does this administration seem to combat that?

NANS is to create a new, united, prosperous, peaceful and virile Nigeria where the lofty dreams nurtured by its founding fathers and for which they worked so hard for its creation over five decades ago could come to reality. NANS is not an appendage of any party and we are not a political ass to any set of individuals. We are a pressure group with main motive to protect and defend the interest of Nigerian students. We can't shy away from the government of the day if they perform credibly and serve Nigeria with keen interest, we will commend their efforts. And if it is other case, we will fight against them and call them to order. We will unite and work assiduously with the government of the day if and only if, they provide essential welfare services to the citizens and citizen-oriented projects are provided. Ours is to join hands together with government to re-invent true governance, engender freedom and democratic ethos, create jobs, eradicate poverty, build infrastructure, sustain businesses, secure lives and properties, re-enact the essence and value of peaceful co-existence among Nigeria and restore the lost glories, hopes, faith and confidence of our people.

A major challenge of the Nigerian educational system is constant industrial action by lecturers especially. In view of this, what are the current steps being taken in forestalling future strikes by ASUU or ASUP?

We thank God for the government of the day towards their input in Educational system. We regretted the protracted industrial action embarked upon by ASUU and ASUP. While as the National Financial Secretary, I intervened to the demands of ASUU and ASUP. NANS has observed that most of the educational funds are not being properly monitored, a lot of Governing councils of tertiary institutions siphons the money being released by the Government to improve the education sector. We set up Monitoring Committee to monitor various funds disbursed into the sector. Also, we urge EFCC and ICPC to monitor properly both the Government fund and the Internally-Generated Revenue of all tertiary institution

What is your opinion about decreasing standard of learning environment in most higher institutions across the country?

 Tertiary institutions in Nigeria are  in a worrisome condition presently to be candid and frank with ourselves. There is lack of infrastructural facilities in most tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Students experience cases of inadequate laboratories, lecture theatres et al. Imagine a student of Engineering without proper knowledge in practicals, only theoretical knowledge. Nowadays lecturers are also no more modern, updated again. There is decline in our tertiary institution, our educational system is no longer the cynosure of eyes, pride of Nigeria and the envy of the globe. As Oliver Twist, we still urge our government to reinforce the sector and support it massively; and still to monitor any fund disbursed into various tertiary institution. There should still be a better scrutinization process for the employment of lecturers and availability of facilities. With God on our side in this nation, we can do well.

Lastly, as a leader of Nigerian students, what are your plans in bettering the lots of students?

 Giving and building a sustainable legacy for Nigerian students at present and in future, most especially, their welfare. I can state categorically and unequivocally that no Nigerian students and Students' Union Government paid dues to the NANS coffer, we only seek for Public-Private Partnership to sponsor our programs that needs to better the Nigerian students. I will protect and defend the interest of Nigerian students; provide solutions to employment quagmire and problem of students' fees; to advocate and ensure quality and better education at all level in the federation. I hereby urge Nigerian students to have solemn faith in NANS and support most students' calls, struggles and agitations in achieving a better Nigeria, preaching unity in the country. We seek more of participation of Nigerian students and youths in good governance. We are also using this medium to urge all politicians not to deceive Nigerian students, not to use and dump Nigerian students again, not to give unrealistic manifestos. Also, Nigerian students should be wise enough in taking their decision in voting as 2015 General Election approaches. It will be of good thing if, Nigerian students' have one voice in ensuring true democracy. 'Nigerian Students count.!

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