A Lagos lawmaker, Mr Abiodun Tobun, on Wednesday
appealed to the Federal Government to dialogue with the
striking Non Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) in
the interest of Nigerian students.
Tobun made the appeal in an interview with newsmen on
the sideline of his annual distribution of free UTME forms to
Epe students seeking admission into tertiary institutions.
Newsmen report that the lawmaker representing Epe
Constituency I at the Lagos State House of Assembly
distributed 250 forms to students.
NASU strike, which commenced on Dec. 10, 2017, has
continued to linger.
“When there is a dispute, it should be resolved, it is my
prayer that the Federal Government and all those in charge
of the educational sector will listen to the demands of
NASU.
“Their request should be addressed and they should resolve
it so that the schools will be reopen for full academic
activities, ” he said.
On the free UTME forms distribution, Tobun said: “We need
to come back and impact on the lives of our people.
“Today, we are distributing 250 forms to secondary school
leavers and I don’t think I know more than one or two of
them.
“This is a give back mechanism to the society because
education is the bedrock of development.
“Some parents can afford to buy the forms, while some
cannot, but I feel I should encourage the students and add
value to the society.
“This is also a way to complement the good job of Gov.
Akinwunmi Ambode in the area of education.
“Many of those who enjoyed this annual gesture in the past
have gained admission into tertiary institutions,” he said.
According to him, the performance of those who enjoyed
previous gestures has kept encouraging him, as many of
them have moved forward.
Tobun urged the beneficiaries to be determined and
remained focused, saying they would be the ones to help
other indigent students in the future.
The lawmaker said that he would also organise Pre-UTME
coaching programme in core subjects for the students so
that they could succeed in the examination.
“If we get better results, we are going to increase the
number of the beneficiaries next year,” he said.
According to him, 25 other students were sponsored to
Government Technical College, Odomola Epe in 2016 and
they would soon graduate, while a new set would go in.
In his goodwill message, Mr Bola Gbabijo, a former member
of the Federal House of Representatives, said that many
children were handicapped to sponsor their education.
Gbabijo, who urged the parents to assist their children to
ensure they pass the examination, advised the beneficiaries
to work hard to justify the magnanimity of the lawmaker.
Also speaking, Mr Faliu Arebi, a former lawmaker said that
the gesture would increase the number of Epe
ambassadors in Nigerian universities.
Arebi urged Tobun to also work with Ambode on the
proposed International Airport and the Sea Port in the area.
The former parliamentarian urged the Lagos State House of
Assembly to get prepared and raise its voice against the
rampaging activities of herdsmen and farmers.
One of the beneficiaries, Master Ahmed Olufowobi, a 16-
year old student, described Tobun as “a good man” saying
that the gesture would help his resolve to study Medicine
and Surgery.
Another student, Miss Damilola Balogun, said: “I have my
O’Level results, but my parents do not have money for
UTME form.
“I thank our lawmaker for this gesture which will help me
pursue Business Administration in the university.”
Master Ibrahim Adeleke, one of the students sponsored to
the Technical College studying Electrical Electronics, also
appreciated the lawmaker for his kindness.
Master Lasisi Idris, an undergraduate student of LASU
studying Medicine and Surgery, who benefited from Tobun’s
free UTME form in 2017, lauded the lawmaker for his
magnanimity.
Comments
Post a Comment