It is with a deep sense of appreciation that I, Nankur Pontip Ramdur write this open letter to the entire student body of the University of Jos. I want to sincerely appreciate you all for entrusting me the privilege to serve you as the treasurer of the students union government(2019/2020 session) I recognize that without your relentless support, I would not have served in that capacity and it is with this understanding that I say a ginormous thank you!
The backbone upon which my office stands is accountability. In line with the principles of accountability, I would like to acquaint you with the various projects I was able to accomplish in respect to my office as the treasurer. Noticing that the visually impaired and Special Students were completely excluded from some conversations in the school, the desire to give them a platform for inclusion and representation within the student union government erupted inside of me. With the help of Hon. Macham Makut, this desire translated to giving the blind students association along with other special students a voice on Jay FM. A platform where they could express their views and their voices could be heard. Donations of toiletries and other items were also made by my office to the Special Students at the Village Hostel.
After this, I with Nenkinan Deshi proceeded to co- convene the very first TEDx event in the University of Jos . This was done to put the University of Jos in the international eye whilst providing some level of exposure for the students and spur our generation for greater. It was hosted in the university in an attempt to enable the students engage with global issues and develop the confidence to compete with their pairs internationally.
One of the major things this office sought to accomplish for the students from its inception was the “smart way to save and lead” conference scheduled to take place in March 2020. However, due to the pandemic, it couldn’t hold. It was later rescheduled to take place after the devastating effects of the pandemic had subsided but we were met with yet another road block posing as restrictions on large public gatherings. We must comply with the safety rules associated with the pandemic so this conference was laid to rest and the money budgeted for it was used to purchase podiums distributed to the A1 hall, Sky Bank hall, Law Auditorium and some classes without podiums. I also purchased a public address system with two microphones and donated to the Prestigious Department of History and International Studies .
Coming to terms with the possibility of an indefinite house arrest caused by the ASUU strike and lockdown restrictions, this office could not be undone, bearing the huge weight of responsibility to serve the very students who hand picked it. This sense of responsibility propelled me to partner with the Feed a Hungry Child foundation in order to meet the financial needs of families who receive daily wage during the week long lockdown restrictions. Seeing that some students from other states across the nation were left stranded in school, unable to travel back to their states and were in dire need of some financial assistance, it became apparent what this office needed to do. We were able to successfully meet the needs of these students and other families . #Project100 were we met the needs of over 100 individuals in total.
This office was also determined to curb the incessant attacks on students during the wee hours of the night along the Zion and Naraguta hostel area. Female students were being helplessly attacked during my stay at the White House and I could not sit idly by watching my fellow students being attacked knowing fully aware of the fact that my office could be used as a platform to curb or stop such incidents in my school and even in Nigeria. These strings of events, coupled with the epidemic of rape and sexual assault in Nigeria emerged to birth the Self Defense Movement which was spread across the nation for women in the phase of abuse or danger. The purpose is to enlighten women on how to defend themselves physically, verbally and with some “must have items” to promote personal safety. One can gain access to the Self Defense Movement videos on YouTube. The Movement was successfully brought into the public eye during the lockdown in 2020.
I have also been involved in walks against rape and assault, represented the Students accordingly during moments of grief ,celebration and representation. I have been part of movements supporting youths and advocating for a better Nigeria and volunteered in humanitarian activities. This office also showed uttermost transparency within its service from finances to other activities that it has been involved in.
Thank you all for giving me the privilege of serving you. I also want to appreciate the support from my family and friends including the “Treasury Redefined, Safe Keeping Confirmed” Team. I lay my baton in the hope that the next occupant picks it up from where I dropped off. Aluta Continua, Victoria Aserta .
Signed:
NANKUR PONTIP RAMDUR
Treasurer, SUG 2019/2020
23rd February, 2021.
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