Edo State commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, has expressed his commitment to collaborate with the Joint Campus Council (JCC) National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, to champion the Inter-School Quiz Competition.
Iyamu, gave the assurance over the weekend when he received members of the NANS leadership team led by the state chairman, Comrade Ojumoola Miracle Timileyin, at the ministry’s headquarters in Benin City.
The NANS event themed: “Safe Campus for Students: Combating Physical and Digital Threats,” is aimed at addressing the growing menace of cultism, campus insecurity, and online threats while encouraging academic collaboration and intellectual development among students of tertiary institutions across Edo State.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Iyamu described the initiative as “timely and commendable,” noting that it aligns with the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led state government’s vision for safer, more inclusive, and intellectually vibrant campuses.
“This is not just a student programme, it is a vision-driven intervention,” he said. “The government is glad to partner with the student leadership on this noble cause. We are ready to facilitate access to institutions, help with mobilisation, and provide every necessary support to make the event a success.”
The commissioner also lauded the student leaders’ proactive stance on issues affecting campus safety and digital literacy, describing the theme of the proposed event as “deeply relevant in today’s academic climate.”
“Your theme ‘Safe Campus for Students: Combating Physical and Digital Threats’—could not have come at a more critical time. In an era where both real and virtual threats undermine academic life, this symposium and quiz will serve as a blueprint for student-led solutions,” Dr. Iyamu added.
In his remarks, the NANS chairman thanked the commissioner for his warmth and openness to youth-driven initiatives, stating that the proposed event is not just a competition but a bold campaign for student safety and awareness.
According to him, “This symposium is more than an event, it is a movement. We are mobilizing minds, not just for academic excellence, but for a safer and more conscious student community.”
In a statement issued through his media adviser, Ogochukwu Isioma, after the meeting, the NANS chairman said the outcome was resoundingly positive. The ministry pledged full backing for the programme and assured NANS of collaboration in student-centred initiatives.
“This collaboration with the ministry ensures that our voice is heard and our initiatives are sustained,” Comrade Timileyin said. “We are optimistic that, with government backing, we will set a new standard for student involvement in policy matters.”
The NANS programme is slated for June 20, 2025, at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. With the formal blessing of the Edo State Government, organisers are confident that the event will not only spark critical conversations around campus security but also pave the way for enduring partnerships between students and the state.
