Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central senatorial district, on Friday, visited the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, to express her condolences to the school management and offer her support following the recent attack by kidnappers.
The lawmaker, who was not in the country when the incident happened, stated that it’s unfortunate that her first visit to the university has to be in response to such an ugly situation.
“What has befallen CUSTECH a few weeks ago is a scenario that has become all too familiar in many institutions in Nigeria, and it’s quite worrisome. No child should ever fear for their safety in a place of learning; educational institutions should be the safest of all places,” she said.
The Senator expressed her willingness to support the university in any way possible to tackle the insecurity and complement what has already been put in place. She requested the University Vice Chancellor to write to her regarding any area where she can offer support to the school.
“The great value I place on education translates in my 2024 constituency projects which predominantly focuses on improving the quality to strengthe our educational institutions. We have already included Federal College of Education, Okene, Abdul Aziz Atta Memorial College, Okene, and Government Technical College, Oboroke in our specialised pilot projects, and we can replicate the same thing at CUSTECH” she added.
“I hope we can all come together, regardless of political affiliation, and work for the good of Kogi State and Nigeria. My doors are open to everyone, regardless of political differences. I sympathize with you, and I hope no student will ever have to suffer this again,” she said.
Reacting, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Abdulrahman Salawu, expressed his appreciation for Senator Natasha’s visit to commiserate with the institution.
He noted that the time for politics has passed, and it’s now time for governance and collaboration.
“Despite the efforts of the government to mobilise security officials to rescue the abducted students, two of them have been killed by their abductors solely because they chose to pursue an education. I appeal to you, Senator, to raise your voice and urge the Federal government to rise to the occasion and tackle the current insecurity,” he said.