By Akinwale Kasali
The Governor Ifeanyi Okowa-administration in Delta State is facing a storm from the National Association of Delta State Students NADESTTU, over a compulsory N5000 Covid-19 levy imposed on students in the State.
The students have been directed, by their leadership, to boycott the payment of the N5000 Covid-19 levy imposed on them by the Government, saying it is outrageous and uncalled for.
In a statement by Godwin Saturday, NADESSTU’s National President, the students described the levy as a blatant extortion, ill conceived and an irresponsible from the State Government.
He said: “We have consulted with all the critical stakeholders and sister organizations on this issue, and we vehemently say no to this extortion.
“We want to inform the students that we are prepared to resist the wickedness by all legal means possible and modalities are already in top gear to ensure our students are saved from this extortion.”
“We are by this notice directing all returning students in respective Tertiary Institutions in Delta State not to pay the COVID-19 levy slammed on them by their institutions.
“The National Association of Delta State Students (NADESSTU) worldwide, we received the news of this development in rude shock and disappointment that the management of these institutions are this insensitive to the plight and situation of Nigerians and students.”
“Due to the long holiday, the house rents of most students have expired, many parents have lost their jobs, other are challenged with salary cut and the economy is biting on low income earners yet institutions still went ahead to slam the students with an unjustifiable Covid-19 levy at resumption.”
“We shall not be responsible for those who have paid when this struggle is eventually won and we will not clamour for any refund if any student flaunts this directive by going ahead with the payment.”
“We also want all SUG Presidents, NADESSTU Presidents and all union leaders and stake holders to take note of this and help drive this message home to their students,” the statement reads.
