Key points
- President Tinubu urged NANS to adopt constructive criticism in advancing education.
- He called for stronger collaboration between government and student leaders.
- Education officials encouraged NANS to promote skills development and awareness of NELFUND.
- The newly inaugurated NANS president pledged to prioritise students’ welfare and unity.
Main story
President Bola Tinubu has called on the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to adopt constructive criticism and work closely with government to improve the country’s education sector.
Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon, at the inauguration of the 2026 NANS Executive Council in Abuja, the president said meaningful collaboration between government and student leaders was essential to advancing educational development.
He commended the peaceful transition of leadership within the association, describing it as a reflection of unity among Nigerian students.
Tinubu also praised students for maintaining peace on campuses and supporting government education initiatives. He further commended the outgoing NANS leadership for exposing institutions accused of diverting funds from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing the action as an example of responsible student leadership.
Representing the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, the Director of Polytechnic and Allied Institutions, Amy Igwe, urged the new NANS leadership to continue promoting national unity, patriotism and skills development among students.
She said the Federal Government was placing greater emphasis on entrepreneurship and practical skills acquisition and called on the association to support ongoing awareness campaigns on the NELFUND programme.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, also urged the association to sustain dialogue with government institutions, expressing optimism that continued engagement would help preserve stability in the education sector.
Delivering the keynote address, Vice-Chancellor of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Temi Ologunorisa, encouraged NANS to work with government in addressing challenges such as insecurity and inadequate infrastructure in tertiary institutions.
He also urged the association to strengthen students’ confidence in its leadership while defending their interests and pledged the support of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities.
In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated NANS President, Babatunde Akinteye, pledged to prioritise students’ welfare, strengthen representation and unite Nigerian students under what he described as the “Epoch Agenda.”
He promised to build on the achievements of previous administrations and expressed gratitude to students, union leaders and stakeholders for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the association.
The issues
Student organisations remain important stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector, with government increasingly seeking their support in implementing reforms, expanding access to education financing and promoting stability across tertiary institutions.
What’s being said
“Without the support of NANS, development in the education sector would be hampered.” — President Bola Tinubu, represented by Sunday Asefon
What’s next
The new NANS leadership is expected to engage government agencies on education reforms, student welfare and awareness of initiatives such as NELFUND while pursuing its own student advocacy agenda.
Bottom line
The inauguration of the new NANS leadership reflects renewed calls for stronger collaboration between government and student representatives to address challenges facing Nigeria’s education sector.
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