The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to constructive youth engagement, collaboration, and initiatives aimed at advancing the welfare and development of Nigerian students across the country.
The Honourable Minister gave the assurance while receiving the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Olushola Oladoja, alongside members of his entourage and convention planning delegation during a strategic engagement held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the meeting, the Honourable Minister commended the leadership of NANS for embracing dialogue, consultation, and institutional engagement in addressing issues affecting Nigerian students. He noted that the Federal Government remains committed to supporting initiatives capable of fostering national unity, youth inclusion, educational advancement, and peaceful participation among young Nigerians.
Responding to the requests presented by the student body, the Honourable Minister assured the delegation that their proposals and requests would be carefully reviewed in line with established government procedures and institutional processes. According to him, “We appreciate the proactive engagement by the leadership of Nigerian students. Your requests will be looked into accordingly and allowed to go through the necessary administrative and bureaucratic processes, after which appropriate responses will be communicated within the shortest possible time.”
The Honourable Minister further emphasized that sustainable development can only thrive where young people are meaningfully engaged and encouraged to contribute positively to nation-building. He reiterated the Ministry’s readiness to continue partnering with responsible youth-led organizations and stakeholders working towards improving the lives and future prospects of Nigerians.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, Director Valentine Ezulu of the Social Development Department welcomed the NANS delegation on behalf of the Ministry and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to maintaining cordial and productive relationships with Nigerian students and youth-focused institutions.
Director Ezulu stated that the Ministry recognizes the strategic role students play in nation-building and social development. “On behalf of the Honourable Minister, I assure you of his continued partnership and willingness to always work with Nigerian students in order to ensure that the future of our youths is guaranteed in this country,” He said. He added that the Ministry looks forward to “a most encouraging and fruitful engagement” with the student body and other relevant stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the NANS President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, briefed the Honourable Minister on preparations for what he described as one of the largest gatherings of Nigerian students scheduled to hold in Abuja in the coming days. According to him, the national convention is expected to bring together student leaders and representatives from tertiary institutions across the country for deliberations, leadership transition activities, and discussions on issues affecting Nigerian students.
The NANS President highlighted some of the organization’s recent interventions and advocacy efforts across campuses nationwide. He noted that the current NANS leadership has consistently prioritized consultation, dialogue, and engagement over confrontation in resolving students’ concerns. According to him, the association operates on the principles of 4cs “consultation, consolidation, communication before confrontation,” stressing that peaceful engagement has yielded positive outcomes in addressing several issues affecting students across tertiary institutions.
Comrade Oladoja also commended the existing working relationship between student leaders and government institutions, particularly in areas relating to educational stability, students’ welfare, and security concerns within campuses. He further informed the Honourable Minister that the planned convention would provide a strategic platform for student leaders from across Nigeria to engage on national development, educational advancement, and youth participation in governance.
The NANS delegation used the opportunity to solicit the Ministry’s support and partnership towards the successful hosting of the forthcoming convention in Abuja. They expressed optimism that sustained collaboration between government institutions and organized student bodies would continue to strengthen national cohesion and promote constructive youth participation in governance and policy conversations.
Present at the meeting were the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Olushola Oladoja, and members of his entourage; Director Valentine Ezulu of the Social Development Department; Director Janet McDickson Noah of the Information and Public Relations Department; Dr. Abimbola Fesanu; Communications Officer, Honourable Minister’s Office, Kingsley Onuoha, amongst others.
Signed:
Janet McDickson Noah
Director Information and Public Relations.
