The National Association of Niger State Students (NANISS) has given the Niger State Government a seven-day ultimatum to address what it described as the continued neglect of the education sector and the prolonged non-payment of student scholarships.
In a statement signed by the association’s Public Relations Officer, NANISS expressed deep concern over the dilapidated condition of educational infrastructure across the state and the ongoing denial of students’ rights and entitlements. The association noted that students could no longer remain silent in the face of worsening conditions in their schools.
Despite over a year of sustained efforts, including engagements with government officials, traditional rulers, emergency student meetings, and even special prayer and fasting sessions, NANISS said there has been no tangible response from the state authorities.
“We have been patient and constructive in our approach—consulting widely with stakeholders and exploring every peaceful avenue. Yet, our demands have been met with silence,” the statement read.
NANISS has warned that if the government fails to respond within seven days, it will mobilise students across the state for a peaceful mass protest to demand immediate action. The association emphasised that the demonstration would be non-violent, aimed solely at defending the rights and welfare of students in Niger State.
The association identified the urgent rehabilitation of education infrastructure and prompt payment of student scholarships as top priorities. It has also distributed copies of the ultimatum to the State Government, House of Assembly, security agencies, labour unions, student bodies, and media organisations.
While reaffirming its commitment to dialogue, NANISS stated that its members are fully prepared to take to the streets if the ultimatum expires without a concrete response from the authorities.
