The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone C, has backed the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) 20-year development plan for the region, describing the initiative as a timely step towards addressing the aspirations and development needs of the people.
The students’ body commended the NCDC for convening a broad stakeholders’ engagement aimed at shaping a long-term development roadmap for the North Central.
The engagement brought together stakeholders and representatives from across the region to deliberate on a development plan that reflects the region’s realities, opportunities and potential.
In a statement issued to journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, the Coordinator of NANS Zone C, Comrade Abiola Azeez Babatunde, described the initiative as timely and forward-looking, stressing that young people and students should remain central to discussions about the future of the region.
Babatunde noted that the North Central is home to millions of young Nigerians whose skills, ideas, energy and innovation could contribute significantly to the region’s economic and social transformation if provided with the right opportunities.
“Students and young people are not only beneficiaries of development; we are also partners in building the future we desire. Any 20-year development plan for the North Central must therefore give serious attention to education, skills development, employment, entrepreneurship, technology and youth participation,” he said.
The NANS Zone C leadership expressed its readiness to work with the NCDC and other relevant stakeholders to advance initiatives capable of creating opportunities for students and young people across the region.
The association said sustained collaboration among the Commission, governments, educational institutions, organised youth groups, traditional institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders could help translate the region’s potential into measurable development outcomes.
Also in attendance was Comrade Anzaku Shedrack, Head of Emergency and Disaster Management, NANS, who represented the NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde.
Shedrack commended the NCDC for the initiative and urged the Commission to sustain similar stakeholder engagements on a quarterly basis.
He also expressed the NANS leadership’s support for the proposed 20-year development roadmap, assuring the Commission that the students’ body would continue to support initiatives aimed at advancing development across the North Central.
NANS Zone C further called for sustained engagement with the student constituency, noting that students constitute a critical demographic whose experiences, concerns and ideas should be reflected in the region’s long-term development agenda.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to constructive advocacy, partnership and responsible representation, while expressing optimism that the 20-year development vision would help position the North Central for greater opportunities, stronger institutions and inclusive growth.
