NANS seeks FG intervention on campus safety, investment

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has asked the federal government to convene an urgent summit on education to bolster investment and security in the sector.

Pedro Obi, the NANS president, addressed the issues on Sunday from Enugu.

Obi spoke on the challenges and opportunities for students within the country and in the diaspora.

In 2023, tertiary education was beset by a host of challenges including insecurity, staff shortages, and fee hikes.

“This unwarranted burden placed on students and their families hindered access to education and threatened the future of many promising young minds,” he said.

Obi urged the federal government to convene an urgent summit towards renewing its commitment to the education sector.

He said the purpose of the summit should be to review the state of education and chart a course for the future.

“By bringing together stakeholders from various sectors, we can identify the gaps in our educational system and develop strategies to bridge them,” Obi said.

Obi highlighted the need to prioritise investment in education as a means of growing Nigeria’s economy.

“Our education system is robust and internationally appealing. More students from abroad would choose to study in Nigeria, thereby bringing in foreign exchange and leading to an increased foreign reserve,” he said.

The NAN president called on the government to look into the security crisis bedevilling tertiary institutions.

“It is disheartening to witness the recurring incidents of kidnappings by bandits and terrorists, violence, cultism and other criminal activities within our institutions. This must urgently come to a stop,” he added.

“NANS calls on relevant authorities at all levels to prioritise the security of our campuses and ensure a safe learning environment for all students.”