The National Association of University Students (NAUS) has commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over its interventions in the education sector and other socio-economic initiatives. It, however, urged the federal government to intensify efforts to address the nation’s worsening security challenges.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja yesterday, the incoming president of NAUS, Comrade Tiamiyu Olayinka Ibraheem, said the call became necessary in view of the numerous challenges confronting the country and acknowledged the government’s genuine efforts to tackle the inherited problems.
The association, however, stressed the need for deliberate and renewed commitment to policies that directly improve the welfare of ordinary Nigerians who are most affected by the lingering hardship.
NAUS specifically hailed the humanitarian interventions of the nation’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, citing her contributions to tuberculosis control, support for the education sector, and assistance to small and medium-scale enterprises, among others.
According to the association, “these initiatives have contributed to poverty reduction and improved the living conditions of many Nigerians. Indeed, the Federal Government’s introduction of the student loan scheme is a landmark policy that has expanded access to higher education and increased enrolment in tertiary institutions.
“We have consistently advocated increased funding for education, and the student loan programme aligns with that objective. This policy reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the financial barriers preventing many Nigerians from pursuing tertiary education, and we are grateful”.
The association also commended the government’s decision to reallocate funds previously allocated to fuel subsidies to infrastructure development and education, arguing that “the policy has accelerated infrastructure projects across the country”.
Notwithstanding the numerous feats of the federal government to better the situation of the country, NAUS expressed concern over the persistent cases of kidnapping, banditry, and insecurity nationwide that have become everyday occurrences with a needless loss of lives and property.
“The unfortunate abduction and continued captivity of school children in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State saddens our hearts. It is, in fact, a national embarrassment and a troubling situation,” stated NAUS.
The association called on the Federal Government and security agencies “to intensify efforts to secure the release of all abducted victims across the country and ensure that Nigeria becomes a safer environment for education, business, and everyday life”.
While pledging its readiness to support government policies that improve education and well-being, NAUS also urged the federal government to reconsider policies granting amnesty to bandits and terrorists, particularly ” any initiative that could integrate former criminal elements into the nation’s security architecture, as such measures could pose security risks and potentially encourage the perpetuation of criminal activities”.
