Why Delta youths fail to agitate for free education - Ex-NADESTU President, Ovuomaraini ~ Truth Reporters

 

The International Coordinator of Nigerian Patriotic Youth Network Int'l, Amb. Akpovire Godwin Ovuomaraini has frowned at the lacklustre attitude of students and youths towards call for free education in Delta State. 

Ovuomaraini, a former National President of the National Association of Delta State Students, NADESTU, in a statement from his Manchester base in United Kingdom said it was unfortunate that youths and students who were supposed to be beneficiaries of free education at all levels in the state where not interested in supporting the cause. 

The statement titled "The Dilemma of Delta: Unveiling the Cowardice Attitude Towards Free Education", Ovuomaraini said, in the pursuit of a Delta that thrives on the intellectual prowess of its citizens, the call for free education remains a beacon of hope. 

"In the heartland of Delta State, where the potential for progress is abundant, a perplexing phenomenon unfolds. A call for free education, a policy that promises to empower the youth, students, and parents alike, encounters an unexpected obstacle—cowardice. 

"As the voice advocating for this transformative policy gains momentum, it is disheartening to observe the reluctance, sycophancy, and misplaced fears that shroud the very individuals who stand to benefit the most. 

"The proposed initiative seeks to break the chains of educational inequality, offering a chance for every Deltan to access quality education without the burden of exorbitant fees. 

"However, a disconcerting pattern emerges as those who could shape a brighter future for Delta shy away from supporting this call. 

"One would expect the youth, students, and parents to be at the forefront, championing the cause for free education. Surprisingly, it is this very demographic that seems to retreat into the shadows of hesitation. The question that looms is: why? 

He said, "Sycophancy, a phenomenon where individuals prioritize personal gain over the collective welfare, has found an unfortunate home in the hearts of some Deltans. Fearful of upsetting the status quo, some hesitate to openly endorse the call for free education, dreading the repercussions from those in power. 

"Hunger, a pervasive issue in many communities, becomes a tool of manipulation. The fear of losing meager opportunities or facing economic repercussions stifles the voices that should be echoing the call for educational liberation. The shackles of hunger, ironically, become a barrier to advocating for a policy that could break the cycle of poverty. 

"Lack of foresight, another impediment, clouds the judgment of those who are hesitant to support free education. The inability to see beyond immediate concerns blinds them to the long-term benefits of an educated populace — a populace capable of steering Delta towards unprecedented heights of development. 

"It is indeed a shame and an unfortunate reality that the very individuals who could usher in positive change betray themselves through their reluctance to support a policy that promises to uplift generations. The courage to stand for what is right, the courage to envision a brighter future, seems to be elusive in the face of immediate challenges," 

He called on youths and students brave the odds and overcome the shackles of hunger, poverty and deprivation to rejuvenate the educational inequality in the state. 

"It is imperative for the youth, students, and parents to overcome the shackles of cowardice, sycophancy, hunger, and myopic vision. Only through unity and courage can Delta embrace a future where education is not a privilege but a right for all. 

"The onus falls not only on the call for free education but on the collective consciousness of Delta to rise above the limitations that hinder progress. Only then can the true potential of this vibrant state be unlocked, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow be fulfilled," Ovuomaraini stated.