FG commits to education, urges NANS to combat social vices

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to education, describing it as one of the strongest pillars of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, stated this when the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) paid him a courtesy visit on Friday, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information and Public Relations, State House.

Gbajabiamila urged the students’ leaders to reciprocate government investments in education by intensifying campaigns against social vices on campuses.

He identified drug abuse, cultism and prostitution as major challenges confronting institutions of higher learning.

“I want to let you know that education is one of the pillars of this administration.

“We believe in the youths, the students, your energy and capacity, and we do not pay lip service to matters like this,” he said.

Gbajabiamila urged students’ leaders to make moral reorientation part of campus culture.

“I want to charge you to take it as part of your responsibility to speak morality to your colleagues,” he said.

He said Tinubu had already approved the establishment of a special committee to address rising social vices in secondary and tertiary institutions.

The chief of staff also noted that sustained dialogue with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had helped maintain stability in the university system.

According to him, Nigeria is approaching three years without a nationwide strike in public universities.

He also highlighted the impact of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, noting that the student loan scheme was helping indigent students remain in school.

Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students’ Engagement, Mr Sunday Asefon, reiterated the Presidency’s commitment to sustained engagement with students.

Asefon said recent reforms by the administration had helped restore predictable academic calendars in tertiary institutions.

In his remarks, the NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, commended President Tinubu for what he described as unprecedented support for Nigerian students.

He said government policies had helped restore stability in the tertiary education sector.

Oladoja said more than 900,000 students had benefited from the student loan scheme.

He also cited improved engagement between government and ASUU as a factor in stabilising academic activities.

The NANS president pledged continued support for government policies and initiatives aimed at improving the education sector.

He also requested an audience with the President and appealed for palliatives for students during the fasting season.

Oladoja further informed the Presidency of plans by the association to organise a major student gathering in Abuja to endorse the administration’s policies.