The Coalition of Concerned Northern Youth and Students has chosen to withdraw from a planned nationwide protest against hunger and economic hardship in Nigeria.
The decision was announced by Comrade Jibrin Sani Bello, Senate President of the National Association of Kano State Students (NAKS), during a press conference in Kano on July 18, 2024.
Bello cited concerns over the unknown identity of the protest organizers as the primary reason for their withdrawal. “We recognize the economic hardship facing Nigerians, but we believe that participating in an unknown protest could lead to unintended consequences,” he stated.
The coalition had been preparing for the protest, but upon deeper reflection and consultations, they decided it was in the best interest of Nigerian students to refrain from joining the national demonstration. Bello emphasized that the anonymity of the protest’s organizers posed a significant risk, making participation potentially dangerous.
He also pointed out that such protests often disrupt academic activities, which is detrimental to students’ education and future prospects. The coalition believes that more constructive solutions should be sought to address the economic issues facing the country.
Instead of protesting, Bello proposed an alternative approach to help alleviate the economic struggles faced by students. He called for the expansion of the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). The coalition advocates for this fund to be used to provide scholarships for eligible students, allowing them to pursue their education both locally and internationally.
This proposed expansion of NELFUND would support students in continuing their studies without the financial burdens that currently plague many Nigerian families. The coalition believes that education is a critical pathway to addressing long-term economic challenges and that supporting students through scholarships is a more effective and sustainable solution.
