The Senate Arm of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has presented four demands before the federal government focusing on the need of Nigerian Students ahead of the year 2024 in lieu of the suffering and pains they claimed experienced in the year 2023.
A statement issued and signed by the NANS Senate President Comrade Olalere Benedict Adetunji and made available to newsmen commended the groundbreaking move the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made with some measures aimed at redefining the landscape of education in the country in Year 2023.
Saying the approach is awesome but considering the State of Education in Nigeria in the Year 2023, stressing that there is need for transformative initiatives in Nigeria Education System through a more holistic approach to student welfare, grants and campus security.
His words: “addressing key facets such as student welfare, grants, and security on and off-campus, to foster a conducive learning environment, priority should be given to the four itemized initiatives; namely:
Pioneering Student-Centric Welfare Programs: The Federal Government should prioritize student welfare across the nation through a range of innovative programs, access to improved healthcare, housing facilities, and nutritional support. This transformative approach will address the holistic well-being of students and recognize the pivotal role of academic success and personal development.
Grant-Based Financing: Federal Government should consider Grant-Based Financing as a paradigm shift from Student Loans. A shift from traditional student loans to a grant-based financing system will mark a progressive departure from financial burdens on students. This paradigm shift should aim at democratizing access to quality education, ensuring that financial constraints no longer hinder deserving students from pursuing higher education. Hence, the government’s commitment to investing in the future workforce will be more evident with this strategic move.
Robust Security Measures on Campuses: Safety within academic institutions should be more prioritized by the government by implementing robust security measures on campuses through deployment of advanced surveillance technology, increased security personnel, and collaboration with local law enforcement agencies to create secure environments that are conducive to learning.
Strengthening Security off-campus: Beyond the confines of campuses, the government should equally be committed to collaborative initiatives with local communities, enhanced law enforcement presence, and community awareness programs that contribute to a safer off-campus experience.
The student’s body however concluded by saying, “these initiatives collectively will signify a new era for education in Nigeria if the Federal Government could re-emphasize, buy into these noble recommendations by NANS Senate President and re-dedicate to fostering an environment where every student can thrive academically and personally.”
“Ditto; the commitment to holistic student welfare, grant-based financing, and enhanced security measures reflects a visionary approach to Nigeria education system that will reposition Nigeria as a trailblazer in the global educational landscape.” Olalere concluded in his goodwill message to his fellow students.
