President Bola Tinubu has called on the leadership of the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) to engage in constructive criticism to advance education development in the country.

Mr Tinubu, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon, disclosed this at the inauguration of the 2026 NANS Executive Council on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said that without the support of NANS, development in the education sector would be hampered, hence the need for collaboration to promote growth and development of the sector.

The president commended the peaceful transition in NANS leadership, saying it reflected unity within the association.

He said, “Tinubu has prioritised education through reforms, improved the education sector and addressed the challenge of out-of-school children.”

He thanked Nigerian students for maintaining peace on campuses and supporting government education initiatives.

He also commended the outgoing NANS president for exposing institutions allegedly diverting NELFUND loans meant for students and described the action as a demonstration of responsible student leadership.

On his part, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, urged the NANS management to continue championing unity and patriotism in student affairs.

Mr Alausa was represented by the Director of Polytechnic and Allied Institutions at the Federal Ministry of Education, Amy Igwe.

The minister noted that NANS should continue to promote skills acquisition and entrepreneurship rather than paper certificates, as the federal government’s attention had shifted to skills acquisition.

He also called for partnership with the government in sensitising the Nigerian students to the new Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

In his remarks, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, commended NANS stakeholders for believing in the present administration to end the incessant strike in the education system.

Mr Olawande called for continuous support for the education ministries and the federal government to ensure peaceful dialogue.

The keynote speaker and Vice-Chancellor of the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, Ondo State, Temi Ologunorisa, called for NANS’ partnership with the federal government to tackle emerging challenges such as insecurity and infrastructural decay in the institutions.

Mr Ologunorisa called on NANS to rebuild trust among students as well as defend the rights of students.

He pledged the support of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities to the growth and development of the association.

The newly inaugurated NANS President, Babatunde Akinteye, pledged to serve as a “chief servant” of Nigerian students and promised to prioritise students’ welfare, representation and advocacy.

Mr Akinteye said his administration would unite Nigerian students, build on the achievements of previous leadership and pursue the “Epoch Agenda” for the benefit of students, home and abroad.

“I promise never to betray the trust you have reposed in me through the ballot. Going forward, I refuse to be counted among those who enjoy the harvest yet forget those who planted the seeds.

“My confidence in the untapped potential of Nigerian students is unyielding, and I have no doubt that we will harness this potential for the greater good of our nation and the world at large,” he said.

He thanked Nigerian students, student union leaders, stakeholders and supporters for entrusting him with the mandate, promising not to betray their confidence.

He also acknowledged the support and mentorship of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, for their roles in his leadership journey.

(NAN)