Date: 2016-04-22

The National Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS) has distanced itself from the planned protest by a group of students over bursary payment, and pledged its support for the State governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed.

In a statement signed by its Director General, Yusuf Muhammad, the group described the action of its president as uncalled for, and noted that it would rather dialogue with the state government than resorting to violent means to press home their demands.

NAKSS disclosed that those behind the planned protest are on their own selfish agenda, saying that it was not logical for any student to protest over non-payment of bursary at a time when government is facing paucity of funds.

The student body noted that it is aware of the current economic downturn affecting all levels of governments in the country, which has hampered their ability to meet their obligations, including payment of workers' salaries.

It said representatives of the three arms of the association met with some top government officials on Wednesday, 20 April, where it was agreed that bursary allowances will be paid as soon as funds are available.

It also said that the government had pledged to assist the association in securing a befitting secretariat.

Meanwhile, the association said it was taking appropriate steps to curb the excesses of its President, "before he drags himself and the noble union in the mud."

NAKSS said that it is confident in the capability of Governor Ahmed to meet the expectations of the students and provide them with other educational, social and welfare packages.

The group also urged members of the public to disregard any further correspondence from its president, stressing that office of the Director General is the official organ in charge of the association's correspondence.