The Ondo State unit of the Take It Back (TIB) Movement Student Wing has raised serious concerns over what it describes as widespread government negligence and systemic failure in key sectors affecting the lives of students and residents across the state.
In a statement released on Thursday, they spotlighted multiple long-standing issues, including the over 13-year power outage in Ese-Odo and Irele local government areas.
The students decried the persistent blackout, noting that it has stifled economic activities, hindered academic environments, and drastically reduced the quality of life in affected communities.
“It is disheartening that in the year 2025, several communities in Ondo State remain completely cut off from electricity. This prolonged blackout is a glaring example of how governments at all levels have abandoned their responsibilities,” the statement read.
The TIB Student Wing also condemned the unresolved vehicle plate number crisis that has lingered for over eight months. According to the statement, residents have been unable to obtain or renew plate numbers due to supply shortages and bureaucratic hurdles. Despite this, security personnel reportedly continue to arrest and extort motorists, a practice the group termed “oppressive and unlawful.”
“The state must act immediately in collaboration with federal agencies to end this nightmare and put a stop to the extortion of innocent drivers,” the statement demanded.
Another area of concern raised by the student body is the administrative inefficiency at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (RUGIPO). Many ND2 and HND2 students are still without student identification cards, with some never having received IDs since their admission into the institution. The TIB unit criticized the school management for this lapse, calling it a basic responsibility that has been ignored.
“Not providing students with proper identification is a grave oversight that hinders academic operations and exposes students to security threats,” the statement emphasized.
Additionally, they raised the alarm over rising insecurity around the RUGIPO campus. They alleged that a gang known as “Egbon Adugbo” has been terrorizing students by extorting money and threatening violence.
“Students are no longer safe. This criminal group has turned the campus into a danger zone. Authorities must take immediate action to dismantle their operations and restore security before any lives are lost,” the group urged.
In conclusion, the TIB Student Wing called on the Ondo State government, security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders to urgently address the crises affecting the state. They emphasized that swift and decisive action is needed to protect the rights, safety, and future of students and residents alike.
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