- Tinubu Prioritises Education Stability – Gbajabiamila
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The Federal Government has reaffirmed that education remains a key pillar of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with sustained efforts aimed at stabilising the sector and expanding access to learning.
Eko Hot Blog reports that chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, made this known on Friday at the State House, Abuja, during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
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Gbajabiamila said the administration considers education one of its strongest policy pillars, stressing that the government is committed to investing in young people and fostering an enabling academic environment.
“Education is one of the pillars of this administration. We believe in the youths, in your energy and capacity, and we do not pay lip service to matters concerning students,” he said.
He urged student leaders across the country to complement government efforts by intensifying advocacy against social vices on campuses, including drug abuse, cultism and prostitution.
According to him, universities and colleges are not only centres of academic excellence but also institutions for character development and moral formation.
Gbajabiamila disclosed that the President has set up a special committee to address rising concerns over social vices in secondary and tertiary institutions nationwide.
On industrial harmony, the Chief of Staff noted that sustained dialogue with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has improved stability in the university system, with the country nearing three years without a nationwide strike.
He recalled his involvement in negotiations with ASUU during his tenure as Speaker of the House of Representatives, aimed at resolving recurring disputes that previously disrupted academic calendars.
Gbajabiamila also highlighted the impact of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing the student loan scheme as a transformative initiative that is helping indigent students remain in school.
In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon, said recent reforms have restored predictability to academic calendars and strengthened engagement between government and student bodies.
Earlier, NANS President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, commended Tinubu for what he described as unprecedented support for Nigerian students.
Oladoja said improved engagement with ASUU and the implementation of the student loan scheme have strengthened stability in tertiary institutions, adding that over 900,000 students have so far benefited from the programme.
He also acknowledged security interventions on campuses, including the approval of perimeter fencing for vulnerable institutions.
While pledging continued support for government policies, the NANS president appealed for palliatives for students during the fasting seasons, expanded job opportunities for graduates, and an audience with the President.
He further disclosed plans to convene a major student gathering in Abuja to publicly endorse the administration’s policies, assuring that the association would continue to promote dialogue and stability across campuses.
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