Kehinde Fajobi
The Federation of Ekiti State Students’ Union (FESSU) has criticised the Ekiti State House of Assembly for planning a seven-day trip to Canada costing over ₦250 million.
Speaking at a press conference in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, FESSU President Benjamin Onileowo described the trip as “insensitive,” especially in light of ongoing economic challenges impacting education and the livelihoods of ordinary people.
Onileowo noted that the proposed trip, which would cover expenses for 18 lawmakers, five spouses, and four aides could instead be used to provide much-needed support to students.
“Our lawmakers plan to spend over ₦250 million to travel overseas for seven days with 18 members, 5 spouses, and 4 aides totalling 27 people,” he said.
He added that if the funds were redirected to education, it could provide ₦50,000 bursaries for over 5,000 Ekiti students.
“As Nigeria continues to grapple with significant economic challenges that have impacted all sectors negatively, especially education, it must be stated emphatically that we consider the said self-sponsored Canada trip planned by the Ekiti State House of Assembly as ill-conceived. This is not the time for such an endeavour,” he argued.
FESSU urged the Assembly to reconsider the trip, stressing the need for collective effort to address pressing issues in the state and to prioritise support for students and the education sector.