The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has publicly commended the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for implementing reforms that have significantly accelerated passport processing for Nigerian students living outside the country. The student body hailed the initiative as a vital intervention with profound social and economic importance.
Ending Longstanding Challenges for Diaspora Students
In a statement released on Thursday, 19 December 2025, and signed by the President of the NANS Senate, Usman Adamu Nagwaza, the association detailed how the improved passport framework has alleviated persistent documentation problems. These issues had previously left many students vulnerable to travel bans, visa difficulties, and interruptions to their studies.
NANS explained that for years, delays in obtaining passports restricted the movement of Nigerian scholars, hampered their ability to meet immigration rules in their host nations, and sometimes blocked access to crucial academic and career opportunities. The association views the recent changes as a direct and practical solution to these entrenched systemic obstacles.
A Pragmatic and Impactful Intervention
The student leadership described Minister Tunji-Ojo's strategy as pragmatic and focused on delivering results. They emphasized that this intervention is especially timely, as global mobility, adherence to international travel regulations, and educational access are increasingly tied to efficient documentation systems.
"This development has brought renewed hope to thousands of Nigerian students in the diaspora who have faced prolonged uncertainty due to delays and administrative hurdles in passport processing," the NANS statement declared.
Furthermore, NANS stated that the initiative demonstrates the minister's grasp of broader human capital development, recognizing that Nigerian students abroad are a strategic national asset. Their academic advancement and professional experiences ultimately contribute to Nigeria's productivity and economic competitiveness on the world stage.
A Call for Sustained Presidential Support
While expressing strong support, NANS also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to offer continuous political and institutional backing to the Interior Minister. This support, they argued, is essential to solidify and broaden the scope of the current reforms.
The association believes that robust presidential endorsement would not only strengthen the passport reform process but also help foster a wider culture of efficiency and accountability within public institutions. "We believe that with the full backing of Mr. President, the Ministry of Interior can deepen these reforms and deliver long-term benefits for Nigerian students and citizens globally," NANS affirmed.
The group added that an enhanced passport administration system would boost Nigeria's international reputation, lower compliance risks for its citizens overseas, and enable smoother participation in global education and labor markets.
NANS reiterated its endorsement of Tunji-Ojo's functional and citizen-focused leadership and pledged its willingness to partner with the Federal Government on policies that advance the welfare and global competitiveness of Nigerian students. The association also urged all Nigerian students abroad to utilize the improved passport processing system to regularize their travel documents and pursue their goals without unnecessary disruption.
