The Federation of Ekiti State Students’ Union (FESSU), under the National leadership of Comrade Benjamin Adekunle Onileowo, held the first National Congress of the Innovation Era on Saturday, 1st June 2024. Leaders of Ekiti State Students from tertiary institutions across the nation, local governments, towns, stakeholders, and students gathered to deliberate and thoroughly assess the state of affairs of the nation, state, and union. Critical issues affecting students, including union constitution review, bursaries, scholarships, grants, SIWES, internship placements, and the administration’s agenda, were discussed. The resolutions are as follows:
1. *STATE OF THE NATION*
i. *Inflation, Economic Crises, and Insecurity*: FESSU expressed concern over the nation’s inflation, economic crises, and insecurity, causing hardship for Nigerians. The union urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address these issues urgently to alleviate the suffering of students and citizens.
ii. *Student Loan Scheme*: FESSU commended the Federal Government and NELFUND Management for initiating the Student Loan Scheme. The union urged the inclusion of state-owned institutions to ensure all students have access to education, fostering academic growth and national development.
2. *STATE OF EKITI STATE*
i. *Subvention and Free Education*: FESSU commended Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for increasing subventions to state-owned tertiary institutions and for the government’s continued support for free compulsory primary and secondary education.
ii. *Renovation of Secondary Schools and Distribution of Learning Aid*: The union applauded the State Government for renovating public secondary schools through the World Bank-assisted AGILE Project and distributing learning aids such as Starlink, 5G Airtel, Smart Boards, and necessary stationery.
iii. *Local Government Autonomy*: FESSU commended the Governor for granting autonomy to local governments, promoting financial independence and effective development. The union urged local councils to fulfill their obligations and serve their communities efficiently.
iv. *Inclusion in Decision-Making*: FESSU called on the government to include indigenous student representatives in decision-making processes and increase student participation in government programs.
v. *Security Agencies Misconduct and Legal Panel Setup*: FESSU condemned the misconduct of security personnel, including illegal raids, harassment, and extortion of students in Ekiti State. The union called on security heads to address these issues and prevent conflicts, ensuring law and order. The Congress resolved to sensitize students on Police-Citizen relationships and informed them about the ongoing plans to set up a legal panel to offer free legal support to students facing brutality or abuse.
3. *STATE OF THE UNION*
i. *Mobility and Physical Secretariat*: Ekiti State Students expressed profound concern about the need for mobility and a physical secretariat for the union and called on the State Government for support.
ii. *Reconciliation*: The National President informed that pending electoral disputes have been resolved, urging cooperation for the benefit of Ekiti State students.
iii. *Special Recognition*: The Congress approved the induction of the union’s first female Senate President, Distinguished Senator Ayomide Ilori, into the FESSU Hall of Fame.
4. *CONSTITUTION REVIEW*
The Congress unanimously suspended Article 6, Section 3, Sub-section 2, which states, “This constitution may be subjected to amendment after five years from the year being signed into law,” to allow a constitution review, as the last constitution review was in 2020. Students urged the FESSU House of Senate to chart a new course for the development of Ekiti State students.
5. *BURSARIES, SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS, SIWES, AND INTERNSHIPS*
i. *Digitalization of State Bursaries and Scholarships*: FESSU demanded the digitalization of the application and disbursement processes for state bursaries and scholarships.
ii. *Local Government Bursaries*: The union called for the re-introduction of local government bursaries and scholarships, given the financial autonomy granted to local councils.
iii. *Internships*: The National Leadership to engage with the State Government, ministries, agencies, private companies, and NGOs to secure internship opportunities for deserving students.
iv. *Research and Business Grants*: The union to liaise with the government to facilitate access to education research grants and business grants for enterprising students.
6. *ADMINISTRATION AGENDA*
The National Body, led by Comrade Benjamin Adekunle Onileowo, aims to achieve the following:
i. Ekiti Tech Tour
ii. Establishment of Ekiti Students Tech Club for secondary schools
iii. Ekiti State Students Skill Bootcamp for tertiary students
iv. Ekiti Scholars Championship/STEM Challenger Series
v. Ekiti Students Leaders Training Scheme
vi. Ekiti Education Colloquium, FESSU Magazine, and Awards
7. *LEGISLATION*
The National Executive Council proposed the following:
i. Establishment of FESSU Service Commission (ServiCom) as a student complaint board
ii. Constitutional framework for FESSU Press and Editorial Board
iii. Constitution of Unity for Ekiti State Students
8. *ANY OTHER BUSINESS*
i. *Electricity in Campus Environment*: Students of Bamidele Olumilua University called on the union to engage the Government of Ekiti State to address electricity issues in the campus environment.
ii. *Union Dues*: FESSU-EKSU requested the National body to engage the management of Ekiti State University to facilitate the collection of union dues. This was supported by other Ekiti state-owned institutions, including BOUESTI (achieved already), Ekiti State Polytechnic Isan, EKSUTH College of Health Sciences and Technology, Ado-Ekiti, and Ekiti State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Ijero-Ekiti.
iii. *Unity* : The Congress of Ekiti State Students urged the National Executive Council to declare any individual or groups aiming to create division within the Ekiti State Students structures as persona non grata and address such issues squarely.
iv. *Representation*: The Congress urged the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Adeleye Temitope to engage only current presidents of Ekiti State Students in tertiary institutions for better representation, and for former senators to introduce their successors without delay.
On behalf of the National Executives Council, the National President, Comrade Benjamin Adekunle Onileowo, appreciated Ekiti State Students for their massive turnout at the first Congress of the Innovation Era and applauded their dedication to the shared vision of improving welfare, student development, and education in Ekiti State.
The Congress was adjourned until further notice.
Signed:
*COMRADE JOSEPH OLUWAGBOHUNMI OLATUNJI*
Chairman, Communique Drafting Committee (National Secretary, Federation of Ekiti State Students’ Union)
+2348102332969
*COMRADE ADEYEYE ALEXANDRA OLAMILEKAN*
Secretary, Communique Drafting Committee (National President, Federation of Igbara-Odo Students’ Union)
+2347035988759
*COMRADE OLAOFE OLUWAPELUMI VICTORIA*
Public Relations Officer, Communique Drafting Committee (National Senate Clerk, Federation of Ekiti State Students’ Union)
07035140943
FESSU CONGRESS PHOTOSTORY:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/GZZrQhztZ6B66JzPA