Tension is rising in Niger State as a coalition of student bodies has vowed to proceed with its planned “Occupy Niger” protest if the state government fails to address its longstanding demands.
The coalition—comprising the National Association of Niger State Students (NANISS), the National Association of University Students (NAUS), and the National Association of Nigerian Students Joint Campus Committee (NANS JCC, Niger Axis)—last week issued a seven-day ultimatum to Governor Umaru Bago’s administration.
Their grievances centre on alleged neglect of students’ welfare, non-payment of bursaries and scholarships, and what they describe as the worsening condition of the state’s education sector.
In a bid to avert the protest, the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, held a meeting with the students’ leadership in Minna on Tuesday.
During the dialogue, the Command assured the coalition of its willingness to act as a mediator between the students and the government to prevent disruptions across the state.
Despite the intervention, the coalition reaffirmed its position that only concrete government action would halt the demonstrations.
The students stressed that their planned protest would be peaceful but sustained, covering major cities including Minna, Suleja, Kontagora, Bida, and Mokwa until all demands are met.
The leadership of the associations warned that the protest, once launched, would not be suspended midway.
They maintained that Niger State students are united and determined to press on until bursaries are paid, scholarships restored, and their welfare adequately addressed.
With the countdown to the ultimatum still running, the state government faces mounting pressure to resolve the issues and avert a large-scale student protest that could paralyse activities across multiple towns.
