The Federal Government has reaffirmed that education remains a cornerstone of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, underscoring sustained efforts to stabilise the sector and expand access to learning opportunities.
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, stated this on Friday at the State House, Abuja, during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students.
Gbajabiamila said the Tinubu
administration regards education as one of its strongest policy pillars, stressing that the government is committed to investing in young people and creating an enabling academic environment.
“Education is one of the pillars of this administration. We believe in the youths, in your energy and capacity, and we do not pay lip service to matters concerning students,” he said.
He urged student leaders nationwide to complement government efforts by intensifying advocacy against social vices on campuses, particularly drug abuse, cultism and prostitution, noting that universities and colleges must remain centres of both academic excellence and moral development.
The Chief of Staff revealed that the President considers the fight against social vices a national priority and has established a special committee to address rising concerns in secondary and tertiary institutions.
On industrial harmony, Gbajabiamila said sustained dialogue with the Academic Staff Union of Universities has improved stability in the university system, with the country nearing three years without a nationwide strike.
He recalled his role as former Speaker of the House of Representatives in negotiations to resolve recurring disputes that had previously disrupted academic calendars.
He also highlighted the impact of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, describing the student loan initiative as a transformative intervention enabling indigent students to remain in school.
In his remarks, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon, reaffirmed the Presidency’s commitment to sustained engagement with students and consolidation of stability in the education sector.
Earlier, NANS President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, commended President Tinubu for what he described as unprecedented support for Nigerian students. He cited improved engagement with ASUU and implementation of the student loan scheme as major milestones, disclosing that over 900,000 students have benefited so far.
Oladoja also acknowledged security interventions on campuses, including the approval of perimeter fencing for vulnerable institutions.
While pledging continued support for government policies, he requested an audience with the President, appealed for palliatives during the fasting seasons, and called for expanded job opportunities for young graduates.
He further informed the Presidency of plans to convene a major student gathering in Abuja to publicly endorse the administration’s policies, assuring that NANS would continue to promote constructive dialogue and stability across tertiary institutions.
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