Lagos students reject planned national protest, announce solidarity walk

Students from various tertiary institutions in Lagos State have announced they will not participate in the planned national protest, ‘#EndBadGovernanceinNigeria,’ set for August 1 to 10. Instead, they will undertake a “Solidarity Walk” to show support for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

Under the umbrella of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Lagos, the students made their stance clear during a press conference at the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) in Ikeja.

They emphasized their preference for constructive dialogue over protests and expressed their gratitude for Governor Sanwo-Olu’s support.

Comrade Lekan Alimi, Chairman of NANS Lagos, addressed journalists, calling the planned nationwide protests against the country’s economic hardships “absolutely uncalled for.”

Alimi was supported by other student leaders, including Comrade Hafiz Olufowobi, President of the National Association of Lagos State Students, and Comrade Titilayo Ekindayo, Chairman of the National Female Students Association of Nigeria (Lagos Chapter).

The student leaders highlighted the governor’s contributions to education and student welfare, noting the establishment of new schools, increased funding, and enhanced infrastructure.

They praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for maintaining open lines of communication with student leaders and for initiatives like scholarships, bursaries, and job opportunities for students.

Comrade Alimi appealed to Nigerians to persevere through the current economic challenges, expressing hope for improvements under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He stressed the importance of stability and peace and warned against a repeat of the destructive #EndSARS protests of 2020.

The solidarity walk, scheduled to coincide with the proposed protest dates, aims to promote peace and unity. Alimi invited all students and citizens to join in demonstrating their support for the Lagos State Government and commitment to a brighter future.

Other student leaders echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the governor’s efforts to alleviate hardships and his commitment to student development. They affirmed their opposition to any form of protest in Lagos, pledging to protect the state from unrest.