National Association of Ilaje Students (NAIS) Statement
Standing for Unity and Progress
The National Association of Ilaje Students (NAIS) emphasizes its commitment to the welfare of Ilaje students globally. It is crucial to clarify that NAIS is not affiliated with any political party and does not endorse specific candidates. The organization's primary goal is the unity and progress of all Ilaje students.
Dealing with OSOPADEC Chairman, Mr Sam Erejuwa
Over the past months, NAIS has demonstrated understanding, patience, and diplomacy in addressing issues with Mr. Sam Erejuwa, the Chairman of OSOPADEC, particularly concerning bursary payments for the 2022/2023 academic year.
NAIS contends that Mr. Erejuwa intentionally withheld bursaries from 2019 to 2021 without clear justification, alleging his self-interest and misuse of OSOPADEC funds. This withholding has adversely affected families in the Ilaje and Ese-odo mandate area, hindering their ability to meet educational expenses.
Key Issues Raised by NAIS
- Delayed Bursary Form Release: The bursary form for the 2022/2023 academic year was released on May 26, 2022, after the commission scrapped the previous academic years (2019/2020, 2020/2021, and 2021/2022). Despite the scrapping, funds for these years were reportedly paid to Mr. Sam Erejuwa.
- Bursary Application Statistics: At the flag-off ceremony on November 22, 2022, OSOPADEC announced that 11,577 students applied for the bursary. After thorough screening, 6,239 were deemed qualified, and 5,038 were identified as fictitious.
- Distribution of Qualified Students: Of the qualified students, the distribution included 55 in doctorate programs, 223 in master's programs, 68 in law school, 19 in postgraduate diploma programs, 3,421 in universities, 1,339 in polytechnics, 502 in colleges of education, and 1,012 in health institutions.
- Approved Budget: The state government approved a budget of #400 million naira for the 2023 bursary program, as per document CD/102/26 dated Oct 2023.
- Ongoing Verification: Following beneficiary announcements, OSOPADEC initiated another round of physical verification, raising concerns about potential exploitation and fund diversion.
Ultimatum and Future Plans
NAIS issued a one-week ultimatum for the OSOPADEC Chairman to pay bursaries, which has expired without compliance. This perceived violation of Ilaje students' rights prompts NAIS to take necessary steps to ensure entitlements are received.
Additionally, Mr. Sam Erejuwa's refusal to release the beneficiary list before the flag-off ceremony on November 22, 2023, is seen as an attempt to undermine the efforts of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
As of January 24, 2024, NAIS initiates an online protest to expose alleged wrong doing by Mr. Sam Erejuwa's OSOPADEC leadership. If demands are unmet by January 29, 2024, OSOPADEC offices in Oba-ile Akure and Igbokoda will be closed until satisfaction is achieved.
This statement were express by the students national leader Agbejoye Kehinde O.
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