Northern students withdraw from planned protest over economic hardship

The Coalition of Concerned Northern Youths and Students has withdrawn from the planned nationwide mass protests against the prevailing economic hardships in the country.

The National Coordinator of the Coalition, Jibril Bello-Gama, made the disclosure while addressing a news conference shortly after the two-day meeting of the association in Kano on Wednesday.

He explained that members of the coalition would not participate in the protests because they do not know the organisers and their motives.

“We took the decision during our two-day meeting here in Kano and therefore directed our members not to participate in the mass actions scheduled to begin from the end of this month,” he said.

Bello-Gama, who doubles as the National Senate President, National Association of Kano State Students, urged their members to refrain from participating in the upcoming nationwide planned protests.

“The organisers of these protests are unknown, and we are uncertain whether their intentions are peaceful or violent.

“Your safety and well-being are our top priority. We understand the economic hardship in Nigeria, but as students, your future is paramount.

“This administration has shown consideration for students by making educational loans available without interest, ensuring that you can focus on your studies now and secure jobs in the future to repay these loans.”

He cited Dangote University of Science and Technology Wudil and Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto where the students of the two institutions suffered an elongation of their academic calendar due to protests in the 2017/2018 academic session.

“We know there are economic hardships in the country but two wrongs cannot make a right. Let’s prioritize our education and future success,” Bello-Gama said.

Recently some faceless groups issued a notice to Nigerians urging them to prepare for nationwide mass protests against the government’s alleged insensitivity to the plight of the people in its handling of the current multifaceted challenges bedeviling the country.