By Adesina Wahab

The Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Joint Campus Council, JCC, Lagos Axis, Quadri Ishola Odewunmi, has commended the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, and the Rector of Yaba College of Technology, YABATECH, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, for the groundbreaking ceremony of a 1,500-bed hostel at the institution.

In a statement at the weekend, Odewunmi, who was at the event on Friday with other student leaders, described the initiative as a way of solving the accommodation challenge faced by many students of the institution.

He was accompanied by notable student leaders, including Comrade Olugbemi Tope; the NANS Zone D PRO, ably represented by Comrade Omoruyi Praker; the Emeritus SUG President, Comrade Morakinyo Olaolu Sola, the National PRO of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), Comrade Bamidele Victor; among others.

Odewunmi extolled the Honourable Minister of Education and the Rector for their commendable efforts in improving student accommodation, not only in Yabatech but across tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

He particularly praised the Minister for his proactive and responsive approach to issues affecting Nigerian students, noting that his leadership has rekindled hope within the student community.

The Chairman also specially acknowledged Dr Abdul for his innovative and creative leadership, as well as the unwavering commitment of his management team.

He commended them for not relenting in prioritizing students’ welfare and for consistently promoting the College through productive and sustainable initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education within the institution.

He further described the Rector as a father figure who is deeply passionate about students’ development, a trait clearly reflected in the caliber of individuals he has assembled to serve in his current administration.

While appreciating the strides made in student welfare, the Chairman also urged the Minister to extend similar attention to lecturers and other non-academic staff, emphasizing the need for a holistic improvement in the education sector.

He further recalled that in February last year, the Minister visited the campus during a period when students were agitating against the policy that excluded ND part-time graduates—who later transitioned to full-time HND programmes—from participating in the NYSC scheme. The Minister had assured students that the issue would be addressed.

“Today, it is worthy of note that those affected students are currently participating in their respective NYSC orientation camps across the country, fulfilling their national service.”

The Chairman expressed profound appreciation to the Honourable Minister for fulfilling his promise and demonstrating commitment to student welfare.

He also acknowledged the presence and support of all comrades who stood in solidarity during the event.