Eko Hot Blog reports that in a meeting with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, President Bola Tinubu pledged to address critical issues in education, particularly the surge in school fees across public learning institutions in Nigeria.
NANS President, Lucky Emonefe, conveyed the President’s commitment to resolving challenges faced by students and putting an end to the increase in school fees.
Tinubu also announced the imminent commencement of the long-anticipated student loan scheme within the next two weeks, with an expansion to include vocational training.
The President assured students of government efforts to avert any impending industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
“We’re conveying the message back to our students that Mr. President will look into the challenges they are facing in various higher institutions, and those increasing school fees will put an end to it,” stated NANS President Lucky Emonefe.
On the delay in the student loan scheme, Emonefe explained, “On the issue of the student loan, the little delay was the expansion. Mr. President expanded it for the inclusion of some vocational training, which is highly commendable.” He further confirmed that the launching of the student loan scheme is set to commence in one or two weeks.
The student delegation also met with Femi Gbajabiamila, the President’s Chief of Staff, who assured the association of the government’s commitment to preventing any potential strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
“There may be another looming ASUU strike, and we are trying to address that,” said Gbajabiamila. “Luckily, we have a President who is more than determined that the days of strikes are over and left behind. We are hoping to be able to avert the strikes.”
NANS President Emonefe expressed gratitude to the President for the student loan scheme and funding releases for intervention in infrastructure development through UBEC and TETFund.
He highlighted the discussion’s focus on addressing challenges such as school fees hikes and the high cost of living for Nigerian students.
“He listened to us and promised us that he is going to look into that. And that he’s going to include more youths in his government, that he wants the student loan to work so that those who don’t have access to education can have access to it,” said Emonefe, expressing optimism for positive changes in the near future.
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