Abuja – President Bola Tinubu has pledged to allocate more resources to the education sector in order to ensure that every Nigerian child, regardless of their background, has access to quality education. During a meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Tinubu emphasized the transformative power of education in combating poverty and stated that poverty should not be a barrier to education.
Tinubu highlighted the importance of investing in education, stating, “If we all believe that education is the greatest weapon against poverty, then we have to invest in it.” He further expressed his belief that no child, including those from humble backgrounds such as wood sellers or food vendors, should be prevented from attaining their highest standard of education due to poverty. Tinubu stressed that by eliminating poverty from even one family, the burden can be alleviated for the rest of society.
Assuring the NANS leaders that he would consider their requests, Tinubu urged the students’ body to promote unity and stability among its members nationwide. He emphasized the importance of democratic processes in their programs and elections, stating, “Anyone who is unable to accept and celebrate a free and fair election does not deserve the joy of victory.”
President Tinubu expressed his appreciation for the students’ support of the removal of subsidy on petrol, explaining the rationale behind the decision and the need to combat smuggling. He stated, “We were at a point where Nigeria tried to draw water from a dry well, and that is no longer acceptable. We will put our money where our mouth is.”
In response, Umar Barambu, leader of the NANS delegation, thanked President Tinubu for signing into law the Student Loan Bill, which provides loans to indigent students, ensuring that no Nigerian student in tertiary institutions will drop out of school due to the inability to pay fees. Barambu commended Tinubu for his commitment to the country and expressed the students’ support for the removal of fuel subsidy.
The Student Loan Bill, sponsored by former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, was signed into law by President Tinubu on June 12, coinciding with Democracy Day.
This afternoon, I enjoyed an invigorating meeting with the leadership of a few of the most prominent national student bodies in the country. Representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the National Association of University Students (NAUS), the… pic.twitter.com/lYdOzR234m
— Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) June 13, 2023