The leadership of the umbrella body of students in Nigeria on Thursday commended the attention given by both Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for prioritising the welfare of students in their administrations.
The commendation by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Headquarters formed of a statement signed by the association’s President of the Senate, Senator Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, saying the student community had taken cognisance of the governors’ student-centred programmes in both states.
The statement read, “In recent days, the Nigerian student community has been met with hearty news that serves as a beacon of hope for the future of education in our country. We, as Nigerian students, take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for their exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to the welfare of students.
NANS commended Governor Sanwo-Olu’s decision to appoint student leaders as Senior Special Assistants, saying it was a commendable move that not only recognizes the importance of student representation but also demonstrates a willingness to engage with and empower the youth.
“By involving student leaders in governance, Governor Sanwo-Olu has shown a deep understanding of the invaluable contributions that students can make to the development of our society.
“Similarly, Governor Makinde’s initiative to provide buses to all tertiary institutions in Oyo State, including NANS and other student bodies, is a significant step towards improving accessibility and mobility for students.
“This thoughtful gesture not only addresses practical transportation needs but also sends a powerful message of support and encouragement to the student community.
“We applaud Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Governor Seyi Makinde for their proactive approach to addressing the needs of students and prioritizing education as a cornerstone of development.
“Their actions serve as a shining example of responsible and responsive governance, and we urge other governors across the country to emulate their efforts and do even better.”
NANS appealed to other governors to prioritize investments in education, provide adequate infrastructure and resources for learning institutions, and actively engage with students to understand their needs and concerns.
He affirmed that the student-centred welfare programmes would make significant contributions to the development of the nation and ensure a brighter future for all.
The association encouraged Governors Sanwo-Olu and Makinde and urged them to continue championing the cause of education in Nigeria.