President Bola Tinubu has called on the leadership of the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) to engage in constructive criticism to promote education development in the country.
Tinubu, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon, made the appeal at the inauguration of the 2026 NANS Executive Council on Tuesday in Abuja.
He emphasized that without the support of NANS, progress in the education sector would be hindered, highlighting the need for collaboration to foster growth.
The president praised the peaceful transition in NANS leadership, noting it reflected unity within the association.
“Tinubu has prioritized education through reforms, aimed at improving the sector and addressing the challenge of out-of-school children,” he stated.
He commended Nigerian students for maintaining peace on campuses and supporting government education initiatives.
Tinubu also appreciated the outgoing NANS president for exposing institutions allegedly diverting NELFUND loans intended for students, calling this a demonstration of responsible student leadership.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, urged NANS to continue promoting unity and patriotism among students. He was represented by Mrs. Amy Igwe, Director of Polytechnic and Allied Institutions at the Federal Ministry of Education.
Alausa advised NANS to focus on skills acquisition and entrepreneurship, noting that the federal government’s attention has shifted toward these areas instead of paper certificates. He also called for partnerships with the government to sensitize students on the new Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, praised NANS stakeholders for trusting the current administration to end frequent strikes in the education system. He urged continuous support for the education ministries and the federal government to ensure peaceful dialogue.
Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, Vice-Chancellor of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, called for NANS to partner with the federal government to address emerging challenges such as insecurity and infrastructural decay. He urged NANS to rebuild trust among students and defend their rights, pledging the support of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities.
The newly inaugurated NANS President, Babatunde Akinteye, pledged to serve as a “chief servant” of Nigerian students. He promised to prioritize student welfare, representation, and advocacy, aiming to unite students and build on past achievements through the “Epoch Agenda.”
“I promise never to betray the trust reposed in me,” he stated. “I believe in the untapped potential of Nigerian students and am confident we will harness this for the greater good of our nation and the world.”
Akinteye thanked students, union leaders, stakeholders, and supporters for their trust and acknowledged the mentorship of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande.
