NANS, NAKASS kick against Kaduna Religious Bill

 By Amos Tauna on April 18, 2016 @dailypostngr
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS),
zone ‘A’, an umbrella body of students studying in
Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Bauchi,
Jigawa, Niger and Gombe state respectively, as well as
National Association of Kaduna State Students
(NAKASS), have joined other Nigerians to condemn in
its totality the religious bill before the Kaduna State
House of Assembly.
The executive bill sponsored by the state governor,
Malam Nasir El-Rufai is to among others regulating
religious activities in the state.
But the forum noted that, “We condemned in totality the
religious bill being reviewed by the Kaduna State
Assembly as it is in total contradiction with the right to
practice one’s religion as enshrined in the Nigerian
constitution.”
A joint press conference signed by the Coordinator of
NANS, Zone ‘A’, Comrade Usman Baba and National
President NAKASS, Comrade Umar S. Balarabe titled
“The subjugation and neglect of Nigerian Students in
Kaduna, also disclosed that students of the state have
not received their bursary since the inception of this
administration, a situation they described as
unacceptable.
it said, “Very unfortunate is the overseas scholarship
scheme of the state government which has been limited
to only graduates with 1st class degree honours only.
This we perceive as a deliberate attempt to award the
scholarship to wards of political allies who attend
private or foreign universities only where first class
degrees are up for sale.”
The students demanded that in the interest of peace
that the governor as a matter of necessity appoint a
Special Adviser on student affairs who must be
conversant with students struggles and plights.
“The scholarships, all rights and privileges entitled to
students be fully paid as at when due to motivate the
students to read hard in their various institutions.
“Just as the Governor avails himself for town hall
meetings with other stakeholders, he should also create
enabling environment to meet with the students
constituency.
“The government should review fees of the state owned
institutions to avoid mass action by the students.
”The governor should monitor and ensure the full
implementation of the budgetary allocation to the
education ministry.
“The governor, Malllam Nasir El-Rufai should apologize
to Nigerian students for neglect and condole the
organization over the accidents and trauma the
students went through during the verification exercise,”
the students observed.
According to the student body leaderships, failure of the
government to meet their demand within the next 7
days would further provoke the students as they shall
continue to use all avenue available to them to ensure
the interests of students were fully protected.
The students, however, affirmed their support and
commitment beyond the ordinary to ensure, promote
and protect the unity, progress and growth of Kaduna
State and the nation at large.