Ministry Of Education To Address Challenges Of Students

The Federal Miinistry of Education has reiterated its commitment to addressing critical issues affecting Nigerian students, which includes the student loan board, Campus security, Uniform ID card system and the involvement of students in Educational Governance.

The Ninister of Education, Prof.Tahir Mamman made this known when he received the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Abuja.

Prof.Mamman, who also outlined the new initiatives under the ministry’s policy framework such as Data repository, out of school teachers development and skill acquisition (DOTS),program.

Also speaking, the
Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, acknowledged the NANS leadership’s proactive approach and diplomatic engagement, noting that the challenges faced by Students on bilateral education agreement Scholarships abroad are due to delays in funding to budget constraints. He assured the Students that the Ministry is working tirelessly with the Finance Ministry’ to alleviate their suffering and that a proposal to address these issues is in progress.

“Your approach to issues is commendable and different from other unions “I have interacted with you,. your diplomatic and engaging manner is highly appreciated,” Sununu stated.

Dr Sununu also emphasized the importance of inclusivity and urged the NANs leadership to embrace contributions from all members to enhance the effectiveness of their administration. He pledged the Ministry’s support for the upcoming Student programs and stressed the need to combat misinformation, particularly concerning the NELFund, by Educating Students to use official channels to avoid fraud.

Earlier in his remarks,the President of NANs Comrade, Lucky Emonefe expressed gratitude to the Ministers for their support and highlighted several pressing issuee,which includes

The slow disbursement of loans from the Student Loan Board, calling for a streamlined process to ensure timely financial support for Students.

Comrade Lucky acknowledged efforts to enhance campus security but advocated for regular security audits. He proposed the implementation of a standardized ID card system for all Students Nationwide to improve tracking, Management, and Security of Student populations.

The NANS President advocated for the inclusion of Student representatives in the governing councils of Educational institutions and highlighted the plight of Students on Scholarships abroad due to unpaid tuition fees and allowances, urging the Ministry to expedite payments to alleviate their distress.

PR/Nkiru Okeke