The National Association of Nigerian Students has appealed to state governors to engage with students by appointing their representatives as special advisers.
The association said the engagement of students’ representatives would make state governors understand their needs and concerns.
The association’s Senate President, Akinteye Babatunde, in a statement made available on Thursday, urged governors to prioritise investments in education and provide adequate infrastructure and resources for learning institutions.
He stressed that by investing in the education sector and prioritising the welfare of students, governors can contribute significantly to the development of our nation and ensure a brighter future for all.
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He, however, commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for “their exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to the welfare of students.”
According to him, Sanwo-Olu’s decision to appoint student leaders as Senior Special Assistants is a commendable move that demonstrates a willingness to engage with and empower the youth.
“By involving student leaders in governance, Governor Sanwo-Olu has shown a deep understanding of the invaluable contributions that students can make to the development of our society.
“Similarly, Governor Makinde’s initiative to provide buses to all tertiary institutions in Oyo State, including NANS and other student bodies, is a significant step towards improving accessibility and mobility for students.
“This thoughtful gesture not only addresses practical transportation needs but also sends a powerful message of support and encouragement to the student community.
“We applaud Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Governor Seyi Makinde for their proactive approach to addressing the needs of students and prioritizing education as a cornerstone of development. Their actions serve as a shining example of responsible and responsive governance, and we urge other governors across the country to emulate their efforts and do even better.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Governors Sanwo-Olu and Makinde for their student-centric initiatives and urge them to continue championing the cause of education in Nigeria. Let their actions serve as inspiration for leaders at all levels of government to prioritise the needs of students and invest in the future of our country”, Babatunde stated.
Sanwo-Olu had on Tuesday, announced the appointment of four former Students Union leaders as his Senior Special Assistants.
The appointed SSAs were Eniola Opeyemi, Kayode Samuel, Giwa Moore and Adeola Adewunmi.
The governor also announced an increment in scholarships and bursaries for students of Lagos State origin in tertiary institutions.
He said his administration would pay N225,000 and N60,000 as scholarships and bursaries to indigene students, as against the existing N200,000 and N50,000 respectively.