The National Association of Baruten Students (NABS), National Headquarters, on Monday held its first Senate sitting at the Baruten Local Government Legislative Chambers, marking a major step in student representation and participation in governance.

The sitting officially ushered in the Second Senate of NABS NHQ and brought together student leaders, lawmakers, and local government representatives. Among those in attendance were councillors of Baruten Local Government, including Hon. Issah Moro Lukman and Hon. Hamidu, alongside other stakeholders who observed the proceedings.

During the sitting, several important motions and concerns affecting students and youths in Baruten Local Government Area were presented and discussed. Lawmakers raised alarm over the growing practice known as "sign-out" in secondary schools, describing it as a student-led activity that promotes indiscipline, indecent behavior, and loss of academic focus. The Senate appealed to the Baruten Local Government Council, education authorities, school principals, and relevant agencies to review the practice, enlighten students, and protect the moral and academic values of schools.

The Senate also discussed the rising case of drug abuse among youths in Baruten LGA. Lawmakers expressed concern over the increasing use of substances such as tramadol and marijuana, linking the problem to peer pressure, unemployment, and lack of recreational facilities. The Senate called on security agencies, schools, and the local government to intensify awareness campaigns, youth engagement programs, and rehabilitation efforts.

Another key issue raised was the welfare of Baruten students studying in different institutions across the country. Senators highlighted challenges such as high transport costs, poor accommodation, and limited support systems. The Senate appealed for stronger engagement with institutions and better welfare support for Baruten students nationwide.

In a related development, the Senate moved a motion for the conduct of a by-election to fill vacant positions within the NABS Senate Council. The affected positions include Vice President (Special Duties), PRO II, Welfare Director, Liaison Officer, Electoral Officer, Chief Judge, and Financial Secretary. The motion emphasized that the process must follow the association’s constitution and electoral guidelines to ensure transparency and fairness.

The absence of Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers in Baruten LGA was also brought before the Senate. Lawmakers noted that students are forced to travel long distances to write exams such as JAMB, causing financial and emotional stress. The Senate appealed for the establishment of CBT centers within Baruten LGA and temporary support measures for affected students.

The Senate further called for the appointment of a Special Assistant on Academic and Student Affairs at the Baruten Local Government level. According to lawmakers, such an office would help bridge the gap between students, government, and educational institutions, while improving student welfare and academic development.

Security of students was another major concern, especially with the resumption of academic activities at the KWASU Ilesha-Baruba Campus. The Senate commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for completing the campus infrastructure and appreciated the Emir of Ilesha-Baruba and other stakeholders for their support. However, it urged continued efforts by security agencies and authorities to protect students and their properties.

The sitting also emphasized the need for stronger relationships between Baruten students, traditional institutions, local government, and security agencies to promote peace, trust, and youth development.

Additionally, the Senate appealed for the establishment of a permanent NABS Secretariat, noting that the absence of a central office affects coordination, record-keeping, and engagement with stakeholders.

In his inaugural speech, the Senate President of the Second Senate, Sen. Zakariyau Abdulrahman Qaseem, described the sitting as historic and thanked members for accepting the responsibility of leadership. He called for unity, discipline, collective responsibility, and people-focused lawmaking, reminding senators that thousands of Baruten students are relying on them for effective representation.

The sitting ended with prayers for guidance, peace, and progress for NABS, Baruten Local Government, Kwara State, and Nigeria as a whole.

Credit : Baruten TV