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The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the continued withholding of statutory allocations meant for the 30 local government areas in Osun State.
The appeal was contained in an open letter issued on Tuesday and signed by the Coordinator of NANS Southwest Zone D, Adeyemo Josiah, following the August 15, 2026 governorship election in the state. NANS said the conclusion of the election should mark the beginning of a fresh phase of governance, especially now that Governor Ademola Adeleke has secured another term in office.
According to the students’ body, Tinubu’s congratulatory message to Adeleke after the election was a welcome demonstration of democratic maturity. It therefore urged the President to extend that same spirit to the lingering issue of local government funds.
NANS said available public records showed that more than ₦200 billion in statutory allocations had reportedly accumulated as withheld funds by the middle of 2026, with additional allocations expected to accrue monthly.
The association stressed that the matter goes beyond political rivalry or administrative disagreement, pointing out that local governments remain the closest level of government to students, campuses and host communities. It noted that the financial strength of local councils has a direct bearing on roads, sanitation, healthcare, water supply, security, youth development and other basic services.
NANS Southwest called on the President to direct the relevant federal authorities to address any outstanding legal or administrative issues surrounding the funds and ensure that the allocations are released to the constitutionally recognised local governments through a transparent and lawful process.
The students also urged the local government authorities to ensure that, once released, the funds are channelled into projects that Nigerians can actually see and feel, particularly in communities hosting tertiary institutions.
NANS maintained that releasing the funds should not be interpreted as a victory for any political party or individual. Rather, it should be seen as a victory for constitutional governance, grassroots development and the people of Osun State.
“Let politics give way to governance. Let the funds reach the people,” the students said, urging the President to allow the principles of constitutionalism and grassroots democracy to prevail after the election.
