The Nigerian government, through the office of the special Assistant to the President on Student engagement, has honoured exceptional students in various fields of study.
The students were recognised yesterday during the 2024 International Students’ Day celebration in Abuja.
The event, organised by the office of the senior special assistant to the president on student engagement, had the theme “Celebrating Academic Excellence for Sustainable Development.”
Comrade Asefon Sunday Dayo, SA, to the president on student engagement, said the event is a testament to the government’s commitment to rewarding and promoting excellence in education.
Some exceptional students are honoured with awards, including local postgraduate master’s degree awards for the best-graduating students from each of the six geopolitical zones.
Others are cash prizes of N200,000 each for the best graduating students from polytechnics and colleges of education in each zone, courtesy of NELFUND, a laptop computer courtesy of NITDA and a cash prize courtesy of NELFUND for the best graduating student from law school.
Moreover, the best student in JAMB 2024 was awarded a laptop prize courtesy of NITDA and a laptop computer prize for the best-graduating student in computer engineering from ATAP Bauchi, BUK Kano, among others.
The Best Student in WAEC 2024 received a cash prize from Zenith Bank Plc, and the best student in NECO 2024 received a cash prize from the office of the senior special assistant to the President on student engagement, among other awards.
Asefon reiterated that student welfare and educational development remain central to the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He emphasised that Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to renewing the hope of Nigerian students and ensuring that every young Nigerian is equipped to succeed in an ever-evolving world.
Also speaking, the minister for youth development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, urged youths to bring forward ideas to improve the country. He stressed the need for students to upskill, encouraging those with existing skills to enhance them further.
The minister of defence, Hon. Mohammed Badaru, said the younger generation has a better future than the previous one.
He commended President Tinubu for allowing the youth to showcase themselves and praised the senior special assistant to the president on student engagement for doing well.
