The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called for renewed focus of governments at all levels and Nigerians on education and security in the country.
The President of NANS, Comrade Pedro Obi, made the call in a New Year message on Sunday in Enugu, where he facilitated with Nigerian students at home and in the Diaspora for seeing the end of 2023.
According to him, as we usher in 2024, we reflect on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, particularly in the educational sector.
“The year 2023 was marred by incessant increments in school fees across our tertiary institutions. This unwarranted burden placed on students and their families has hindered access to education and threatened the future of many promising young minds.
“NANS strongly condemns this trend and calls on the Federal Government to urgently address the issue by convening a Education Summit.
“The purpose of the Education Summit is to review the state of education in previous years, assess where we were, where we are currently and where we should be in the future, and chart a course for the future.
“By bringing together stakeholders from various sectors, we can identify the gaps in our educational system and develop strategies to bridge them.
“NANS urges the Federal Government to prioritize investment in the educational sector, as this will not only enhance the quality of education but also contribute to the growth of our economy,” he said.
The NANS boss explained that investments in education have a multiplier effect, as when we massively invest in the education sector, it has the potential to attract foreign students to our institutions.
He noted that when our education system is robust and internationally appealing, more students from abroad would choose to study in Nigeria, thereby bringing in foreign exchange and leading to an increased foreign reserved.
Obi said that the influx of foreign students would not only enrich our cultural diversity but also boost our economy and contribute to a stronger nation.
“We have the strategies mapped out, ours is to present same to the government at all level for implementation,” he noted.
He said that in addition to addressing the financial challenges faced by students, the issue of campus security cannot be overlooked.
“NANS emphasises the need for enhanced security measures to protect the lives and property of students.
“It is disheartening to witness the recurring incidents of kidnappings by bandits and terrorists, violence, cultism and other criminal activities within our institutions; this must urgently come to a stop.
“NANS calls on relevant authorities at all levels to prioritise the security of our campuses and ensure a safe learning environment for all students,” he said.
Obi said that NANS remained committed to advocating for the rights and welfare of Nigerian students.
He said that the association would continue to engage with government agencies, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to ensure that the educational sector receives the attention it deserves.
“NANS wishes all Nigerian students a prosperous and successful year ahead. Let us seize this opportunity to work together, overcome challenges, and build a stronger educational system that will shape the future of our great nation,” he said.
