…as NANS hails ‘game-changing’ policies, says 900,000 students benefit from loan scheme
The Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, reaffirmed that education remains one of the strongest pillars of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, as the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) commended the President’s “game-changing” policies in the sector.
Gbajabiamila made the assertion on Friday at the State House, Abuja, when the NANS leadership paid him a courtesy visit.
He urged student leaders across the country to reciprocate the government’s investment in education by intensifying advocacy against social vices on campuses, particularly drug abuse, cultism, and prostitution.
In a statement issued by Abiodun Oladunjoye, the Director of Information and Public Relations of the State House, Gbajabiamila said, “I want to let you know that education is one of the pillars of this administration.” We believe in the youths, the students, your energy, capacity, and we don’t pay lip service to matters like this.”
He stressed that universities and colleges are not only centres of academic learning but also institutions for character moulding, adding that the fight against social vices has been elevated to a national priority by the Tinubu administration.
“It’s important for me to talk about the ills of social vices among students; I want to charge you even at this meeting to take it as part of your curriculum to speak morality to your colleagues,” he added.
Gbajabiamila disclosed that the government has already set up a special committee to address growing concerns over moral decadence in secondary and tertiary institutions.
The Chief of Staff commended NANS for its proactive and constructive engagement with the government, encouraging the association to make moral reorientation an unwritten part of campus culture.
He noted that sustained dialogue between the government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has culminated in a lasting understanding, helping to maintain stability in the university system.
According to him, Nigeria is approaching three years without a nationwide university strike — a development he described as significant, given the history of prolonged industrial actions that once disrupted academic calendars.
Recalling his tenure as Speaker of the House of Representatives, Gbajabiamila recounted his involvement in negotiations with ASUU during periods of incessant strikes that forced many students to spend additional years in school.
He further highlighted the impact of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, noting that the student loan scheme is already helping many indigent students stay in school.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon, reiterated the Presidency’s commitment to sustained engagement with students and improved stability in the education sector.
He observed that recent interventions by the administration have helped restore predictable academic calendars after years of disruptions caused by disputes between the the government and ASUU.
In his remarks, NANS President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, praised President Tinubu for what he described as “unprecedented support for Nigerian students.”
He said the administration’s policies have helped restore stability to the tertiary education system, noting that many four-year courses are now being completed as scheduled.
Oladoja cited improved government engagement with ASUU and the implementation of the student loan scheme as major milestones, disclosing that over 900,000 students have so far benefited from the programme.
The NANS president also referenced security interventions on campuses, including the approval of perimeter fencing for vulnerable institutions following reports of hostel incursions in some schools.
While pledging continued support for government policies, he said NANS would sustain its conflict-resolution framework to maintain peace on campuses nationwide.
He further requested an audience with the President, sought palliatives for students during the fasting seasons, and appealed for increased job opportunities for young graduates.
Oladoja informed the Presidency of plans to organise a major student gathering in Abuja to publicly endorse the President’s policies, pledging that the association would continue to promote peace and constructive dialogue across Nigerian campuses.
Friday’s engagement at the Presidential Villa underscores the administration’s emphasis on youth inclusion, educational stability, and moral reform as central components of its broader governance agenda.
Read more on Latest Nigeria News, Nigerian Newspapers, Politics
