Tinubu committed to students’ welfare, educational development — Presidency

The Presidency has assured Nigerian students, as they join their counterparts across the globe to mark the 2023 International Students’ Day, that their welfare is uppermost in the current administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Senior Special Assistant to President on Student Engagement, Hon. Sunday Asefon, who stated this on Friday in his message to students, said the current administration is committed to providing best environment for the growth of education in the country.

Every November 17, is set aside to mark world over, as International Students’ Day.

Asefon, who was the immediate past President of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), urged students across the country to remain optimistic and steadfast as programmes and initiatives already mapped out by the government would be implemented to improve their welfare.

Asefon said: “Indeed, it is a blessing to the Nigerian student community that the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has placed an uncommon priority on education and youth development which is evident in the programmes and actions of the administration so far.

“These programmes and initiatives are not limited to: Education Loan Act; approval of CNG Buses for Student Union Governments and National Students bodies; Presidential directive on ‘No increase in school fees’ by Federal Institutions; appointment of an erudite scholar with highest education qualifications ‘Professor’ to mount and supervise education ministry among others in six months into the administration and appointment of young, qualified Nigerians as Ministers to oversee the Youth ministry.

“These are unprecedented and a practical demonstration of commitment beyond mere campaign promises. It is an indicator of renewed hope and a new dawn, stressing improve welfare, inclusion and the creation of a more conducive enabling environment for students in Nigeria,” he stated.

The Presidential aide also disclosed that his office in collaboration with relevant stakeholders would soon launch the “Renewed Hope Academic Excellence Reward Scheme” for students to further demonstrate the practical dedication of Tinubu’s administration to education and student development.

While stating that details of the scheme would be provided later, Asefon, noted that the initiative is targeted at encouraging the best-graduating students yearly from every tertiary institution in Nigeria.

“I therefore, call on Nigerian Students, leaders and cadres of student movements across Nigeria to join hands and support the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by maintaining peace and order in all their campuses while the government navigates the path to a prosperous Nigeria as contained in the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he stated.