The Federal Government has reaffirmed that education remains a central pillar of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with renewed efforts aimed at strengthening stability in the sector and tackling social vices in schools.
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, made this known when the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) paid him a courtesy visit at the State House, Abuja.
Gbajabiamila urged student leaders nationwide to complement government investments by intensifying campaigns against drug abuse, cultism and prostitution on campuses, stressing that tertiary institutions must promote both academic excellence and moral discipline.
According to him, President Tinubu considers the fight against social vices a national priority, noting that a special committee has already been set up to address growing concerns in secondary and tertiary institutions.
“Education is one of the pillars of this administration. We believe in the youths and we do not pay lip service to matters concerning students,” he said.
He commended the NANS leadership for maintaining constructive engagement with government and encouraged student bodies to make moral reorientation part of campus culture.
Gbajabiamila also said sustained dialogue with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has helped maintain stability in universities, noting that Nigeria is approaching three years without a nationwide strike.
He recalled his previous involvement in negotiations with ASUU while serving as Speaker of the House of Representatives, adding that the current administration is determined to ensure uninterrupted academic calendars.
The Chief of Staff further highlighted the impact of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, stating that the student loan scheme has enabled many indigent students to remain in school.
Also speaking, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon, said recent interventions by the administration have restored predictability in the education system after years of disruption caused by prolonged disputes.
In his remarks, NANS President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, commended President Tinubu for what he described as unprecedented support for Nigerian students.
He said improved government engagement with ASUU and the student loan program had helped restore stability, adding that more than 900,000 students had already benefited from the scheme.
Oladoja also cited security improvements on campuses, including the approval of perimeter fencing for vulnerable institutions, and pledged continued support for government policies while requesting more job opportunities for young graduates.
He disclosed that the association plans to hold a major student gathering in Abuja to publicly endorse the administration’s policies and promote peace across Nigerian campuses.
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