Ogun students call for increased funding to improve tertiary institutions

Students across Ogun State have appealed to the state government to significantly increase funding for tertiary institutions, citing deteriorating infrastructure and declining quality of education as major concerns requiring urgent intervention.

Representatives of various student unions and associations made the call during a peaceful gathering where they highlighted the challenges facing public tertiary institutions in the state, including poor facilities, inadequate learning materials, and insufficient resources for academic programs.

The students expressed frustration over crumbling classroom blocks, overcrowded lecture halls, lack of functional laboratories, limited access to current textbooks and research materials, and poor hostel accommodations that they say are hampering their academic progress and overall learning experience.

“We are not asking for luxuries; we are asking for basic necessities that every student deserves,” said a spokesperson for the Ogun State Student Union. “How can we compete globally when our institutions lack the fundamental infrastructure and resources needed for quality education?”

The appeal comes amid growing concerns about the widening gap between public and private institutions in Nigeria, with students in government-owned schools often facing significantly poorer conditions than their counterparts in well-funded private universities.

Students specifically called on the Ogun State Government to prioritize education in its budget allocations, pointing out that investment in education is critical for the state’s development and the future prospects of young people.

They highlighted several institutions in the state where students endure lectures in dilapidated buildings, share inadequate facilities, and struggle with erratic power supply and poor internet connectivity that limit their ability to engage in modern learning methods.

The students also urged the government to address the issue of unpaid staff salaries and allowances in some institutions, noting that industrial actions resulting from such disputes often lead to academic calendar disruptions that extend their time in school unnecessarily.

Education stakeholders and civil society organizations have expressed support for the students’ demands, emphasizing that adequate funding for tertiary education is essential for producing graduates who can contribute meaningfully to Ogun State’s economy and Nigeria’s development.

While the Ogun State Government has made some investments in education infrastructure in recent years, students argue that much more needs to be done to bring facilities up to acceptable standards and ensure that institutions can deliver quality education.

The students pledged to continue engaging with government authorities through peaceful and constructive dialogue while calling on parents, alumni, and other stakeholders to add their voices to the campaign for better funding of tertiary institutions in the state.

They emphasized their commitment to academic excellence and their desire to graduate as well-equipped professionals, provided they receive the necessary support and enabling environment from the government.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with challenges in its education sector, the Ogun students’ appeal reflects broader concerns about the need for increased public investment in tertiary education across the country to meet international standards and prepare young people for the demands of the 21st-century economy.