The Ogun State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the Ogun State government to give students in the State top priority in the vaccination of residents against COVID-19.

This appeal is coming on the heels of the readiness of the State in receiving its portion of COVID-19 vaccines from the Federal government and onward distribution to the various Primary Health Care centres across the State.

The Chairman of the NAN, Ogun Joint Campus Committee (JJC), Comrade Kehinde Damilola Simeon in a statement in Abeokuta on Saturday called on the Governor Dapo Abiodun and the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker to consider the vaccination of students from all levels in the State as an urgent assignment.

The student body insisted that, aside from the aged, frontline workers and government officials, students should be considered among the vulnerable in the society "and as such, their vaccination must be considered a top priority".

Simeon noted that students are more exposed to the deadly COVID-19 virus "and in order to reduce the further spread of the virus in the State, students must be among the first set of people to receive the COVID-19 vaccines in the State.

Besides, Simeon said, many tertiary institution students are yet to fully resume academic activities on campuses as many schools are still running online lectures, stressing that their vaccination would enable students resume and focus fully on their academics.

"Ogun State government must consider it as a matter of urgency and uttermost priority to vaccinate a seizable population of students across the State as this will not only guarantee the safety of our students but also prevent further spread of the virus in the State.

"While we commend the efforts of the Ogun State government in putting adequate measures in place to ensure safe receipt of the COVID-19 vaccines from the Federal, we call on the government to protect the lives of our students who are the future leaders of tomorrow.

"As the vaccination exercise begins nationwide, it is expedient that the Ogun State government gives the students top priority and ensure that we are adequately vaccinated.

"Many of our students are still at home and yet to fully resume academic activities on campuses because of the directive of some schools that some students should stay home and join lectures online.

"Inasmuch as we support online lecture, it is important to note that some of our students can no longer afford the exorbitant data rate of the telecommunication service providers, therefore, we consider the vaccination of students as a lifesaver and a way out of our current unpalatable situation.

"Even those attending physical lectures often time risk their precious lives in the process because some of our classes are still overcrowded despite the online lecture option", the NANS Chairman stated.

The association also enjoined Heads of schools in the state to show leadership by example by taking their jabs first and then encouraging the staff members and students to do same.

Simeon pledged NANS readiness to support and work with the State government and other stakeholders at ensuring successful vaccination of students across the State.