In a significant show of support for Nigeria's student community, prominent lawmaker Rt. Hon. Aliyu Mukhtar Betara has expressed strong optimism about the country's future, emphasizing the crucial role students play in national development.
Strengthening Government-Student Partnership
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Capital Territory reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening collaboration with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) during the 2025 International Students' Day celebration held at the University of Abuja on Monday.
Betara described Nigerian students as "the nation's hope, thinkers, innovators and future leaders" in his address, which drew participants from across Nigeria and regional bodies including the West African Students' Union and the All-African Students Union (AASU).
Aligning with Global and National Themes
This year's celebration marked a symbolic return to campus-based events after what many described as a prolonged detachment from university communities. The global theme "Empowering Students to Be Agents of Change" perfectly aligned with Nigeria's national focus on "Reigniting Patriotism and Productivity Among Nigerian Youths/Students."
Keynote speaker Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), praised the creativity and potential of Nigerian students while urging them to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to excellence rather than seeking shortcuts.
Substantial Support for Student Body
The event featured significant announcements supporting student development, including Dr. Mathias Terwase Byuan's donation of a new NANS national secretariat. The NANS Patron and Executive Director of Finance and Accounts at the Federal Housing Authority applauded the association's "progress-driven approach" and emphasized that the new facility would enhance the organization's operational capacity.
Presidential representative Comrade Sunday Dayo Asefon, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement, conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's continued commitment to students' welfare and highlighted ongoing and planned interventions aimed at strengthening the education sector.
The ceremony included award presentations to major educational bodies:
- Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)
- National Examination Council (NECO)
- West African Examinations Council (WAEC)
Goodwill messages came from distinguished guests including Minister of State for Finance Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, and former NANS President Comrade Shehu Yobana.
Comrade Igwe Ude-Umanta, Chairman of the NANS 2025 International Students' Day Committee, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to all participants and offering special commendation to Dr. Byuan for his "uncommon gesture" and the NANS executive for its steadfast leadership.
The event concluded with renewed calls for student unity, academic excellence, and deeper collaboration between the government and student community to advance national growth, signaling a strengthened partnership for Nigeria's educational future.
