Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerian students to play active roles in shaping the country’s future by participating in national decision-making today.
He said students should no longer be seen only as the leaders of tomorrow but as important stakeholders in Nigeria’s present.
Shettima spoke on Wednesday while receiving national student leaders from across the country at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
He said the Tinubu administration is implementing reforms to make education more accessible and reduce the financial burden on families.
The Vice President said the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has helped many students remain in school despite financial challenges.
He added that the government is working to end recurring strikes that often disrupt academic calendars in tertiary institutions.
According to him, improving education financing, student welfare and engagement with lecturers will ensure a more stable learning environment.
Shettima said the appointment of a Senior Special Assistant on Students’ Engagement was aimed at strengthening communication between the government and students.
He also encouraged student leaders to speak honestly with the government, even when they disagree with its policies.
The Vice President said constructive criticism would help the government serve Nigerians better.
He assured the delegation that education, youth inclusion and student welfare would remain key priorities of the administration.
Earlier, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) President, Comrade Akinteye Afeez, pledged the support of the student body for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
Afeez said NANS had set up a National Election Mobilisation Committee to mobilise 10 million votes across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
He praised NELFUND, saying the scheme has enabled many students to continue their education despite financial hardship.
Leaders of the National Association of University Students, National Association of Polytechnic Students and National Association of Nigerian Colleges of Education Students also attended the meeting.