Forum of former Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) has charged President Bola Tinubu to implement reforms in critical sectors including education, health, agriculture, transportation and security.
They stated this while commending President Bola Tinubu on the appointments of Mr. Ayo Olawande as minister of Youth (State); and Asefon Dayo Sunday as senior special assistant to the president on Student Engagement.
The forum is the platform of former students’ leaders in all Tertiary Institutions across the country who participated genuinely in students’ unionism and activism many of whom are now professionals, experts, businessmen, exporters and leaders in various sectors, communities and areas of discipline.
According to a statement issued by the convener Wole Badmus and the secretary Olayinka Dada, JP said the forum was a delight as former NANS leaders reunited at their Annual conference which was held on 30th November, 2023 in Abuja.
“We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding it worthy to appoint real youths as Ministers in the Youth Ministry. This is a clear departure from the old norm of appointing elders without any knowledge of the current challenges our youths daily encounter in a fast emerging digital revolution sweeping across the globe.
“We are therefore committed to putting these appointees on their toes by supporting them with required ideas that can positively impact on their official responsibilities and also justifying the enormous trust reposed in them by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The Forum admitted that Nigeria urgently requires reforms especially in the education, health care, agriculture, transportation, petroleum, mining sectors and rejigging of the security architecture in meeting challenges of the modern world. We are no doubt satisfied with interventions so far made by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as it affects Nigerian students.
“The student loan program initiated by his administration within short days of assumption of office is very encouraging and his directive to Tertiary Institutions not to hike school fees amidst worsening economic situation of parents is timely and relieving.
“With the appointment of one of us, Asefon Sunday, a former President of NANS, active community leader in his Ado-Ekiti Local Government, dedicated and hardworking youth, we are sure of unprecedented developmental strides through the experience and untainted commitment he will bring to bear.
“We like to remind Comrade Asefon Dayo Sunday that his new office is for all irrespective of political, tribal and religious beliefs. We will work with him in developing a master plan that will be beneficial to students,” they said.
They further stated that the forum is committed to the president’s success and the growth of Nigerian students.
They said, “At this point, we plead with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider policies targeted at the youth/constituency in de-escalating mounting security challenges confronting our nation.
“Empowering the youth and ensuring access to learning, deliberate drift of graduates into small and medium scale businesses are key to engaging these volatile constituencies to productive ventures that will help boost economic growth of the people as well as expanding the economic prosperity of our nation. We are hopeful that the President with his choices of appointments in these key areas will make a positive difference.
“Interestingly, as observed by the forum and haven been briefed on recent outcome of the NANS election which held at the old parade ground, Area 10, Abuja on December 1st, 2023, the forum wish to formally congratulate the newly elected leadership of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) where Com. Lucky Emenofe of College of Education, Warri, Delta State emerged as President and task the elected executives to be diligent in pursuing pro student advocacies and programs for the betterment of the students constituency.”
