By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement ,Sunday Asefon, says President Bola Tinubu is dedicated to making education a priority for Nigerians.

The former President of National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, noted that the establishment of Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFund, removal of tertiary institutions staff salaries from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System, IPPIS, among other reforms introduced so far in the nation’s education system were pointers to that.

Asefon, who spoke on Wednesday in Abuja during the commemoration of 2024 International Student Day, insisted that the welfare of students and education development were focal points of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him,among the many achievements of President Bola Tinubu in the nation’s education sector,are:”Establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, providing financial support to deserving students to ensure access to quality education. Removal of tertiary institutions’ staff salaries from the IPPIS, allowing for a more efficient and autonomous payroll system as well end the incessant industrial action by staff unions.

“Reversal of the 30% deduction from institutions’ Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), ensuring that institutions have more resources to invest in academic and infrastructural development.

Approval of CNG-powered buses for national student bodies, reducing transportation challenges and supporting environmentally friendly initiatives. “

He reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to renewing the hope of Nigerian students and ensuring that every young Nigerian is equipped to explore his talent.

Noting that some of the initiatives introduced so far by the Tinubu administration have continued to improve the welfare of students nationwide, he said:”“The establishment of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund has ensured access to higher education for students, removing financial barriers and creating opportunities for all.

“The removal of all tertiary institutions staff from IPPIS has taken care of the primary cause of incessant strikes by academic staff unions, thus fostering academic stability.

“Let me reiterate that student welfare and education development remain central to the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His administration has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to renewing the hope of Nigerian students and ensuring that every young Nigerian is equipped to succeed in an ever-evolving world.”