The Federation of Ekiti State Students’ Union (FESSU) has voiced strong opposition to the Ekiti State House of Assembly’s (EKHA) proposed trip to Canada, a venture expected to cost more than N250 million.
During a press conference held in Ado-Ekiti, FESSU President Benjamin Onileowo criticized the trip as “insensitive,” especially given the tough economic situation in Ekiti State, with the education sector facing significant financial challenges.
Onileowo revealed that the trip, set to cover seven days, would include 18 lawmakers, five of their spouses, and four aides. He suggested that if the funds were redirected, they could instead provide N50,000 bursaries for over 5,000 students across Ekiti’s constituencies.
“This trip shows a clear misplacement of priorities while students and the general population are grappling with economic hardship,” Onileowo stated, noting that this issue comes six months into his term as FESSU president.
He stressed the importance of addressing pressing needs like improving education funding and tackling poverty, rather than using taxpayer money for costly foreign trips.
Onileowo stated, “We firmly assert that the Ekiti State House of Assembly’s planned self-funded trip to Canada is ill-conceived. This is an especially unsuitable time for such an endeavor, as the state urgently requires all stakeholders’ commitment to addressing critical issues that affect citizens’ welfare and our education sector’s recovery.”
He further noted, “Our lawmakers plan to allocate over N250 million for this seven-day trip, covering 18 members, 5 spouses, and 4 aides—a total of 27 individuals. We condemn this move and call for a reconsideration. This N250 million could instead fund N50,000 bursaries for more than 5,000 students in Ekiti’s constituencies.”
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