The Secretary-General of the National Association of University Students (NAUS), Comrade David S. Aladesanmi, has commended the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approving key education and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s education sector.
Aladesanmi described the reforms as timely and necessary, noting that they address long-standing challenges affecting the country’s education system and the future of young Nigerians.
Key Highlights:
- NAUS praised the approval of education and NYSC reforms.
- It urged swift implementation of the new policies.
- NAUS commended NELFUND for supporting students.
- It alleged some schools withheld NELFUND payments.
- It called for sanctions against erring institutions.
- NAUS backed an NYSC focused on skills and entrepreneurship.
According to him, educational reforms have become imperative, as persistent challenges within the sector continue to undermine national development and the aspirations of students.
He urged the Federal Government to ensure the swift implementation of the approved reforms to enable students and graduates to fully benefit from the new policies.
The NAUS Secretary-General also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a major intervention that has restored hope to thousands of students struggling to finance their education.
He said the initiative has reduced the financial burden on many families and provided students with greater access to higher education.
“With the introduction of NELFUND, many students who would have dropped out because of financial constraints now have the opportunity to complete their education without undue hardship,” he said.
Aladesanmi, however, expressed concern over allegations that some tertiary institutions continue to withhold students’ fees even after receiving NELFUND disbursements.
He alleged that some institutions delay crediting students’ accounts while retaining the funds for financial gains, describing the practice as unacceptable and contrary to the objectives of the intervention programme.
He called on the relevant authorities to investigate such allegations and ensure that institutions found culpable are sanctioned.
According to him, failure to address the issue could undermine public confidence in the student loan scheme and frustrate the Federal Government’s efforts to improve access to tertiary education.
Read also:
- Group applauds development trajectory in Bayelsa, urges greater participation in national politics
- NCDMB Science Quiz Competition: Kaiama Grammar School, FGGC Imiringi emerge champions in Bayelsa
- Bayelsa panel recommends creation of Higher Education Ministry as Diri reviews report
On the newly approved NYSC reforms, Aladesanmi welcomed the decision to review the operational framework of the scheme, describing it as a necessary step toward making it more relevant to current national realities.
He noted that while the NYSC was established to promote national unity after the Nigerian Civil War, there was a need to periodically review its structure and programmes to meet contemporary social and economic demands.
The NAUS Secretary-General advocated for an NYSC scheme that prioritises entrepreneurship, innovation, skills acquisition, leadership development and greater youth participation in governance.
He said the orientation camps should evolve into centres that equip graduates with practical skills capable of improving their employability and contributing to national development.
Aladesanmi urged the Federal Government to sustain the ongoing education and youth development reforms, stressing that successful implementation would strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s education system and inspire more young people to pursue higher education.
He added that consistent reforms capable of improving learning outcomes and expanding opportunities for students would help dispel the growing perception among some youths that formal education no longer guarantees success.
