By Adesina Wahab

The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has commended President Bola Tinubu for the introduction of the Nigerian Student Loan Fund, NELFUND, the promotion of technical and vocational education, TVET, among other policies of the government that are meant to make Nigerian youths thrive better.

In a statement by the National President of NANS, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, to mark the second anniversary of the administration, the student body also commended the various youth empowerment programmes of the government.

“Over the past two years, the Tinubu administration has demonstrated a steady dedication to nurturing Nigeria’s democracy. By promoting inclusivity and transparency, the administration has empowered citizens, including students, to engage actively in the nation’s development and progress. We commend President Tinubu for these efforts, which have reinforced democratic values and inspired hope for a united and prosperous Nigeria. NANS recognizes the administration’s bold reforms, from economic stabilization to infrastructure revitalization, and particularly lauds its prioritization of education as the “tool to fight poverty”.

“NANS is particularly grateful for the administration’s student-centric policies, which have significantly impacted the education sector. Key initiatives implemented in this sector include: 

“Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND): This transformative program has provided financial support to students, removing barriers to higher education and enabling countless young Nigerians to pursue their academic dreams.  The landmark Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act (2024) established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has disbursed about ₦54.2 billion to 299 institutions. This disbursement also includes ₦20.07 billion for institutional fees and ₦12.82 billion in upkeep stipends (₦20,000/month) to 169,114 students.

“N683 Billion Intervention Fund for 2024: The substantial allocation to public tertiary institutions has enhanced infrastructure, academic programs, and resources, creating a more conducive environment for learning and innovation. 

“Reconstitution of Governing Councils: By appointing experienced leaders to oversee tertiary institutions, the administration has improved institutional governance, addressing longstanding challenges, transforming learning, and fostering academic excellence.

“₦45,000 Monthly Stipend for Technical Students: A historic ₦120 billion grant under the Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) scheme provides non-repayable ₦45,000 monthly stipends to technical college students, empowering skills development and reducing financial barriers in their pursuit of technical education.

“DOTS Project for Educational Revitalization: The DOTS (Data Repository, Out-of-School Children Education, Teacher Training, Skill Development) Initiative tackles systemic gaps, including tracking 20 million out-of-school children and enhancing technical education funding, ensuring improved access to formal learning.

“Support for Student Entrepreneurship and Innovation: This noble effort is demonstrated by increased funding and participation opportunities for Nigerian students in national development programs like the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) and the Renewed Hope Agenda for Youth Empowerment.

“Commitment to Ending protracted ASUU Strikes: The intentional education policy directions of this administration have brought a measure of stability to our academic calendars, ensuring that lecturers remain in our universities to teach students while ensuring their due compensation is timely delivered. We hope for continuity of this action in tertiary education to ensure that our students receive the best education and are on-time to complete their programs.⁠”

However, NANS charged the administration to also increase funding for Infrastructure and modernise facilities in universities, polytechnics, and colleges to create world-class contemporary learning environments. 

“Broadening financial aid programs to support more students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and to enable home-grown research that will add value to social development and the broader society. 

“Equip educators with advanced skills and resources to deliver high-quality instruction and provide digital tools and resources to advance pedagogical methods and prepare students for the demands of the global economy.”

NANS emphasized that these measures would ensure that Nigerian students are equipped to compete globally and contribute to the nation’s growth.

Oladoja expressed the readiness of Nigerian students to collaborate with the administration and move the country forward.