Why we are supporting Ambode –LASU students

Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode

Students of the Lagos State University have endorsed the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.

The Student Union President, Mr. Nurudeen Yusuf, told our correspondent that they decided to throw their weight behind Ambode because of his running mate, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, who is a lecturer in the institution.

Yusuf said Adebule also graduated from LASU and that the students believe that she will protect their interest if voted into office.

“Dr. Adebule is an alumnus of the school. She had her first, second and third degrees in LASU and that is why we endorsed them. Also, the giant strides of Governor Babatunde Fashola in LASU, especially in the area of infrastructure, is another reason why are endorsing the APC. We are not divided in our cause,” he said.

LASU had increased the school fees by over 200 per cent in 2012 but was reduced by Fashola to N25, 000 in August last year.

The Peoples Democratic Party had sought to use the fee increment to campaign against the APC to gain advantage but the recent endorsement of Ambode appears to be a setback for the PDP which has never ruled the state before.

When asked if the students had forgiven the APC for the fee increment, Yusuf said, “Governor Babatunde Fashola listened to our complaints by reducing the fees and that says a lot. Students of the University of Ilorin pay over N80, 000 while new students pay N100, 000 and this is a Federal Government school.

“Similarly, in Obafemi Awolowo University, school fees were increased and despite protests, the Federal Government has refused to reduce the fees.”

Also speaking at an APC mega rally in Ojo where LASU is located, Yusuf, who led thousands of students to drum support for Ambode said that their decision was based on his experience, competence, integrity.

Yusuf described Ambode as a visionary leader who will listen to their yearnings and aspirations. To them, the 27-year experience of Ambode will give him the edge to keep the ball rolling if eventually voted in as governor and would continue the massive infrastructural development that would make the university a world class institution.

The students eulogised the academic achievement of Ambode as exemplary and looked forward to his mentorship.