By Emmanuel Okogba

The National Association of University Students has commended the Federal Government for approving an upward review of allowances and earned benefits for non-academic staff in federal universities, saying the decision would help promote industrial harmony across the nation’s tertiary institutions.

The association, however, urged the government not to limit ongoing reforms to staff welfare, insisting that the welfare of students deserved equal attention.

The National President of NAUS, Comr. Dr. Meshach Anthony Nwankwo, made the call in a statement issued on Thursday.

He described the approval as a positive development but stressed that the government must ensure its immediate implementation in all federal universities.

“We view this as a positive step towards strengthening industrial harmony and ensuring the continued smooth operation of our tertiary institutions,” Nwankwo said.

He added, “This approval must not remain a mere policy announcement. The Federal Government should closely monitor its implementation across all federal universities to ensure that every eligible worker benefits without delay, selective application or unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks.”

The student leader maintained that while improved staff welfare was necessary for institutional stability, the welfare of students should receive equal and deliberate attention.

“Staff welfare is essential to institutional stability, but student welfare must receive equal and deliberate attention. The quality of any education system is ultimately measured by the learning conditions and future prospects of its students,” he said.

Nwankwo identified inadequate student accommodation as one of the biggest challenges confronting Nigerian universities.

According to him, thousands of students are forced to live in overcrowded hostels or expensive off-campus accommodation because of the shortage of institutional housing.

He noted that many students were exposed to exploitative landlords, poor sanitary conditions, inadequate utilities and growing security concerns.

The NAUS president urged the Federal Government to declare student accommodation a national priority by increasing investment in hostel construction, encouraging Public-Private Partnerships and introducing policies that would guarantee safe, decent and affordable accommodation for students.

He also expressed concern over the widening gap between university education and labour market demands.

Nwankwo said thousands of graduates leave universities annually only to face unemployment or underemployment because many institutions were yet to equip students with practical and industry-relevant skills.

“Every year, thousands of graduates leave Nigerian universities with high expectations but encounter a labour market that demands practical skills many institutions are not adequately equipped to provide,” he said.

He called on the Federal Government to fast-track curriculum reforms, strengthen collaboration between universities and industries, expand internship and apprenticeship opportunities and invest in digital, vocational and entrepreneurial skills.

According to him, such measures would prepare graduates not only to secure employment but also to create jobs.

“As proactive and responsible stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector, NAUS believes reforms must extend beyond improving staff welfare to addressing the everyday realities facing students.

“An uninterrupted academic calendar is important, but it must be complemented by decent accommodation, relevant education, employable skills and an environment that allows every student to thrive,” he added.

Nwankwo reaffirmed the association’s commitment to constructive engagement with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to advance reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s higher education system and improving the welfare of university students.