The Federated Association of Zamfara State Students (FAZAMSS) has appealed to the federal and state governments to intensify and sustain efforts in tackling insecurity bedeviling the state.

The outgoing national president of FAZAMSS, Nasir Gamagiwa. made the plea during a press conference on Saturday in Gusau, Zamfara.

Mr Gamagiwa highlighted the critical role of both the state and federal governments in tackling banditry and kidnapping that ravaged the state.

While applauding the efforts of the duo, the president called for more coordination among stakeholders, especially security agencies to restore law, order, and peaceful living amongst the citizens.

The student leader regretted that several members of the union had fallen victims of the menace.

Speaking on the activities of the union in the last one year, the student leader said the union under his watch had unified students groups to form a single, federated union for collective voice and representation.

The effort, he noted, had restored unity among the Zamfara students groups in various institutions across the country.

“The harmonisation of NUZAMSS and FAZAMSS is one of the most historic accomplishments of this administration.

“Through collective efforts, we have successfully restored renewed hope within the Zamfara students community.

“These factions, hitherto, operated separately, weakening the collective strength of the student union.

“This achievement not only restored dignity, structure and direction to Zamfara students but also gave them a sense of hope towards a brighter future,” he said.

According to him, the association, during the one year in office, facilitated the payment of over ₦1.022 billion NECO backlog, thereby bringing relief to thousands of students in the state who were unable to access their NECO results.

“Settlement of N163 million tuition at Crescent University, securing 154 slots in the Presidential ₦50,000 Nano-Grant Scheme and Laying the foundation for the Zamfara Education Trust Fund (ZETF) for intellectual development among many other initiatives.

“We have also facilitated the sponsorship of 20 students for Health Programmes at the Igbinedion University in Edo State.

“Trained 100 student leaders on peace building as well as strengthening relationships with the ministry of Education and the State Scholarship Board,” he said.

The student leader highlighted challenges confronting the union to include; logistics, limited funds and scholarships for certain programmes beneficial to students among others.

“We extend our profound gratitude to the Zamfara Government for its continuous support towards addressing our plights.

“We are also grateful to the former FAZAMSS/NUZAMMS leaders, the commissioner, ministry of education, Wadatau Madawaki and Prof. Rasheedah Liman, Zamfara Scholarship Board for the critical roles they played towards the successes recorded,” Mr Gamagiwa said.

(NAN)