The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the second anniversary of his administration, urging continued attention to the needs of students and investment in the country’s tertiary education system.

In a press statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the NANS National President, Michael Oyewole, the association commended Tinubu for his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, democratic deepening and reforms that have positively impacted Nigerian students and the wider education sector.

The NANS National President, Olushola Oladoja, praised the administration for implementing student-focused policies that have provided financial relief, improved institutional governance, and enhanced access to education.

Notably, he cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a transformative step that has removed financial barriers to higher education and enabling countless students to pursue their academic dreams.

According to NANS, the fund has disbursed N54.2 billion to 299 institutions, including N20.07 billion in institutional fees and N12.82 billion in upkeep stipends for 169,114 students.

The association also acknowledged the N683 billion intervention fund allocated to public tertiary institutions in 2024, describing it as a significant step toward revitalising infrastructure, academic programme and resources, creating a more conducive environment for learning and innovation.

Additionally, NANS acknowledged the reconstitution of governing councils across higher institutions, which it said has strengthened institutional governance and fostered academic excellence.

Oladoja further highlighted the impact of a N120 billion grant under the Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) scheme, through which technical college students now receive non-repayable monthly stipends of N45,000, empowering skills development and reducing financial barriers in their pursuit of technical education.

He also commended the launch of the DOTS Initiative, focusing on data management, out-of-school children, teacher training, and skill development, which is helping to close systemic education gaps, including tracking 20 million out-of-school children and enhancing technical education funding to improve access to formal learning.

NANS emphasised the growing support for student entrepreneurship and innovation under national programs like the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) and the Renewed Hope Agenda for Youth Empowerment, which have created more avenues for student participation in national development.

The student body also noted that recent education policy directions have helped reduce industrial actions by academic unions, bringing a measure of stability to academic calendars and ensuring uninterrupted learning for students.

Despite these achievements, NANS called on the Tinubu administration to further deepen its investment in the education sector.

Oladoja advocated for increased funding to modernise learning infrastructure in universities, polytechnics, and colleges across the country.

He urged the government to expand scholarships and grants, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, to promote equal access to quality education.

The NANS president also called for continuous teacher training and better integration of digital tools to enhance instruction and prepare students for global competitiveness.

NANS noted that the last two years have been marked by an open-door policy that has fostered greater student engagement with the government and strengthened democratic participation.

The student body reaffirmed its readiness to work with the Tinubu administration to drive forward reforms that will transform education into a genuine engine for national development.

“As President Tinubu continues his journey in office, we reaffirm our support for every effort that uplifts the Nigerian youth, strengthens democracy, and improves access to quality education. NANS remains committed to constructive engagement with the government and stakeholders to build a more inclusive, equitable, and thriving educational system,” said Comrade Oladoja.