Students of the Osun State College of Education, Ilesa, on Thursday stormed Osogbo Government High School, venue of the reception for President Muhammadu Buhari, who was on a day visit to the state, urging him to probe the authorities of various tertiary institutions in the country.
The undergraduates, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, embarked on a solidarity demonstration in support of Buhari’s anti-corruption fight.
They said that the anti-graft war was already yielding results.
President Buhari had commissioned a newly built state-of-the-art high school before the students, armed with placards, commended him for his performances since he assumed office.
They, however, tasked Buhari with the responsibility of taking his anti-graft war to the ivory towers, claiming that most management of tertiary institutions, ranging from colleges of education to universities were corrupt and should be probed.
Although the students acknowledged the fact that the country was going through hard times, they expressed optimism in the administration of Buhari, saying, “Change can’t come overnight.”
The spokesperson of the students, Akinlabi Adeyinka, commended the efforts of the Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, in transforming the state through road construction and building of schools.
Adeyinka, who is also the “chief justice” of the Students Union Government of OSCOED, said, “Though there is economic downturn in the country and the states, Governor Aregbesola has been trying his best and I want to also commend the efforts of President Buhari in fighting corruption.
“There can’t be overnight change. It is a long time process. A new born baby can’t grow in a day. Despite what we are going through in this country, we, the students, believe that there is still hope in the administration of President Buhari.
“We are here to show our support for President Buhari and Governor Aregbesola. My advice for Nigerians is to endure the pains and be tolerant. It will get better.”
Another student, Audu Jubril, asked Buhari to probe authorities and management of tertiary institutions, accusing them of corruption.
“Our managements are corrupt. Buhari should probe them. He should not leave out tertiary institutions in his anti-graft war. You will be surprised to know that most school authorities in Nigeria are more corrupt than some politicians,” he said.
Some of the inscriptions on the placards brandished by the students read, “Tough Times Don’t Last, Tough People Do; “Osun People Are Tough” and “Nigerians Will Overcome.”
