By Olusegun Olanrewaju
A chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), Lennox Gold, has written two separate letters to President Bola Tinubu and Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, asking for the reversal of raised tuition fees in the Federal Government colleges nationwide and fixing of ‘failed’ community roads in Delta State.
In the ‘open letters’ addressed to the president and governor respectively, Gold called for the intervention of the duo in addressing some salient national issues.
The letter to President Tinubu was entitled ‘Urgent Appeal to Withdraw the Increase in Tuition Fees for Unity Schools’
Gold said he was writing as a concerned citizen who is a passionate advocate for accessible and quality education in the country.
“I would like to express my deep concerns regarding the recent decision to increase tuition fees for unity schools across the country”, Gold wrote, calling for the establishment and maintenance of unity schools.
According to him, “These institutions have played a pivotal role in fostering national unity, providing a platform for students from diverse backgrounds to learn and grow together.
“However, the recent decision to increase tuition fees in unity schools has sparked widespread concern and anxiety among parents, students, and the general public. Education is a fundamental right of every child, and we must ensure equal access to quality education for all, regardless of their socio-economic background.”
He added, “By imposing higher tuition fees, we risk excluding a significant portion of our population from accessing quality education. Many families, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, will find it increasingly difficult to afford the revised fees. This could lead to a decline in enrolment rates, hindering the progress we have made in ensuring education for all.
“Moreover, the increase in tuition fees runs counter to the principles of unity and inclusivity that Unity Schools were established to promote. These institutions were envisioned as symbols of national integration, enabling students from different regions, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds to interact and learn from one another.
“The imposition of higher fees threatens to erode the very essence of unity schools and perpetuate divisions based on wealth and privilege.
“I humbly request that you reconsider this decision and take immediate steps to withdraw the increase in tuition fees for Unity schools. Instead, let us focus on finding alternative ways to fund these institutions while keeping education affordable and accessible to all. This could include exploring avenues for public-private partnerships, seeking external funding, or allocating a larger portion of the national budget to education.
*Urges Delta gov to fix failed community roads
In the letter to Delta governor, Oborevwori, with the subject: ‘Urgent Need to Fix the Deplorable Roads in Owhrode Community, Udu Local Government’, the LP chieftain said, “I am writing to draw your attention to an issue of utmost importance that has plagued the residents of Owhrode community in Udu Local Government for the past two decades —the deplorable state of the community’s roads.
“As a concerned resident and advocate for community development, I implore you to take immediate action to address this long-standing problem.”
He added that Owhrode community, despite its rich cultural heritage and abundant natural resources, has been greatly hindered by the persistently dilapidated road infrastructure. The roads are riddled with potholes, cracks, and erosion, rendering them virtually impassable. This dire situation has had a significant negative impact on the lives and livelihoods of the community’s residents.
“Your Excellency, the people of the Owhrode community have endured this plight for far too long. We have repeatedly voiced our concerns to various government agencies, but unfortunately, our pleas have fallen on deaf ears.
“We trust in your commitment to good governance and your dedication to improving the lives of Delta State citizens, and we humbly request your intervention in resolving this long-standing issue.
“We implore you to allocate the necessary resources and prioritize the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the roads in Owhrode community. We understand the numerous competing priorities and challenges facing the state, but we firmly believe that investing in infrastructure development is crucial for the overall progress and prosperity of our beloved Delta State,” he added.
