Education
NANS Zone ‘A’ Elects new Executives, Harps on Students’ Welfare
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The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone ‘A’ has elected new executives to pilot its affairs for the 2024/2025 academic session across the zone.
This was made known in a communique jointly signed by Dominic Philip, Chairman, Communique Drafting Committee and Ahmed Magaji, his deputy, issued after its 38th Elective Congress on Tuesday in Kaduna.
According to the communique, the elected executives are poised to address the challenges facing Nigerian students and promote student welfare.
The congress said it would continue to prioritise students’ welfare and advocate affordable education.
”We would work tirelessly to address the challenges facing Nigerian students, particularly the arbitrary increase in school fees and inadequate funding for education, ” it said.
The communique said the zone comprises tertiary institutions from seven states in the North-West region, including Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
” The congress resolved to urge the Federal Government to establish more Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion service stations across Nigeria.
”It also called for the provision of CNG buses to tertiary institutions to ease transportation challenges on campuses within the Zone and beyond.
“We commend the Federal Government for establishing the National Education Loan Fund, but we urge them to make it more accessible to students,” it said.
However, the association expressed concern over the exponential increase in school fees across tertiary institutions in the country and called for an urgent attention from the stakeholders.
“NANS will continue to advocate for affordable education and better living conditions for Nigerian students,” the communique added.
The congress commended the Kaduna State Government for its support and hospitality during the event.
“We appreciate the Kaduna State Government for providing a conducive environment for our congress,” while pledging continued support to the government led by Gov. Uba Sani.
”The association admonished the students to prioritise dialogue through constitutional means amidst economic hardships, discouraging involvement in destructive activities.
“We will work with the government to promote student welfare and advocate for better education policies,” the communique added.
On the election process, it said, 67 accredited delegates were present from the seven states in the zone for transparent electoral process.
The elected officials were: Said Garba Coordinator (Bayero University Kano) and Deputy Coordinator, Ibrahim Dikko (Kebbi University of Science and Technology).
The rest were: Bashir Ibrahim, Secretary General (Kaduna State University), Mohammed Abdullahi, Financial Secretary (Bayero University Kano) and Maryam Usman, Treasurer (HUK Poly).
Others were: Firdausi Hamza, Director of Gender, Gazali Gadanya, Director of Sports, Abubakar Wamako, PRO, Al-Amin Salisu Director of Travels and Exchange, Habibullahi Bello, Director Special Duties and Ex-Officio –Sadiq Maikano.
The congress also approved the establishment of three new Directorates to be headed by a Director each.
They are: Magaji Kabiru, Director of Peace, Integration and Reconciliation, Umar Shuaibu, Director of Gender Equality Matters, while Suleiman Yusuf is Director of Action and Mobilisation.(NAN)
Education
NELFUND: Students Decry Delays, Resort To Personal Payments
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As National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) disbursements stall in some universities, students are facing increasing challenges in meeting their tuition fee obligations.
The delay in the processing of refunds has caused particular anxiety among final-year students, many of whom have already paid their fees from personal funds and are unsure if or when they will be reimbursed.
Students who receive the NELFUND monthly upkeep of 20,000 Naira are also finding it difficult to balance their living expenses and tuition payments, as the upkeep funds are insufficient to cover both.
The delay in disbursement has created a financial strain, disrupting academic plans and adding to the stress of an already demanding final year.
At Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University (JOSTUM) Makurdi, students have been receiving the 20,000 Naira stipend since December 2024, but the university has not provided updates regarding the delay in the disbursement of the main school fees.
Despite the government’s disbursement of ₦136.7 million to the university, covering the tuition fees of 2,222 students, the funds have not yet been released by the school.
This has left students struggling to find alternative ways to cover their tuition.
The university resumed in January 2025, but there were no updates on whether NELFUND beneficiaries should hold off on paying fees or proceed with registration, it’s gathered.
Fearing late registration, students, including final-year ones, went ahead and paid their school fees out of pocket.
As a result, their names are on the NELFUND beneficiary portal, but they have not received the corresponding tuition coverage, only the N20,000 monthly upkeep.
One final-year student of Microbiology, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concern over what would happen to students who paid their fees themselves.
“I have only one semester to graduate, and I have already paid my school fees for this semester. I don’t know what the school plans to do.
“As it stands, it’s like we’re already owing the government for money we didn’t benefit from. Are they going to refund what we’ve paid after graduation?
“I paid over ₦52,000 this semester and have received the monthly allowance of ₦20,000 for over two months. I just hope the school clarifies the situation,” he said.
Another student from the school, Elijah, also expressed frustration, asking, “Some of us have already made the payment, so, are we going to get our money back? We’re still waiting for the refund from the school.”
It’s also gathered that students from other institutions, including the University of Nigeria Nsukka and Obafemi Awolowo University, have similarly lamented the inability to get their school fees paid, despite approvals.
However, Comrade Elum Shadrach, Public Relations Officer of the Students’ Union at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, assured that the union is working closely with the management to resolve the issue.
“We have confirmed with the school management that the funds for school fees have been received. However, the management is currently working on connecting our school account with Remita so that these funds can be reflected,” he stated.
NELFUND is a government initiative established to provide interest-free loans to Nigerian students pursuing higher education.
The repayment begins two years after completing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), providing graduates with a grace period to secure employment and stabilise financially.
Education
Alausa to Engage Stakeholders on Proposed 12-year Basic Education Structure
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The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has promised to engage stakeholders over the proposed 12-year basic education structure.
Alausa disclosed this during a news conference in Abuja on Friday.
The minister had earlier presented a proposal aimed at transitioning to 12 years of compulsory education within the existing 6-3-3-4 system at the 2025 Extraordinary National Council on Education (NCE) meeting.
He explained that the proposal was for discussion and not an immediate policy shift.
Alausa added that a major feature of the proposal was the removal of the examination barrier between the Junior Secondary School (JSS) and the Senior Secondary School (SSS).
He said that the proposal would allow students to progress seamlessly without the need for external assessments at that stage.
The minister said the proposal was, however, still under consultation, and its implementation depended on further deliberation.
According to him, over the next eight months, the ministry will engage in extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including policymakers, state governments, teachers, parents, and others.
Alausa noted that a final decision would be made at the National Council on Education Meeting in October 2025.
The goal of this, he said, was to emulate global best practices in countries like the U.S., the UK, and Ghana, where 12 years of education are made compulsory, leading to improved educational outcomes.
The minister also said that the government was committed to ensuring that the new policy does not disrupt the educational system.
“What we’re saying is that we need to move from what we have now as nine years of compulsory education to 12 years of compulsory education as is obtainable in other parts of the world.
“If you look back into the history of Nigeria, 30 years ago, people that went for primary education got up to standard six.
“If you compare that level of education, the level of instruction, even the standard three then, it’s much better than what we get in JSS three now.
“Today, our quality of instruction and education is falling.
“If we let these kids continue to graduate, if we tell these children that they only have nine years of compulsory education, we’re literally just training illiterates. We’re not preparing them for the future,” he said.
Alausa stated, however, that efforts to improve funding was in top gear, especially for early childhood education.
He added that efforts to strengthen the quality of public schools to equip students with the skills necessary for success in life, whether in further education or the workforce, had been put in place. (NAN)
Education
Hon. High Chief Canice Moore Nwachukwu’s Zonal Intervention Project Empowers Over 350 Women and Youth in Orlu LGA with Skill-Up Bootcamp in Orlu
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As part of his commitment to empowering his constituents through zonal intervention projects, Hon.
High Chief Canice Moore Nwachukwu, the Member representing Orlu, Orsu, and Oru East Federal Constituency, initiated a three-day Skill-Up Bootcamp from January 29 to February 1, 2025. The event, held in Orlu Local Government Area, Imo State, trained over 350 women and youth in a variety of entrepreneurial skills. The bootcamp featured hands-on training in soap making, perfume production, disinfectant formulation, and barbing. Certified trainers provided practical knowledge and business management insights, ensuring that participants acquired skills that can be directly applied to launching and managing their own ventures. To further support these emerging entrepreneurs, the organizers distributed startup kits and cash grants of twenty thousand naira to each participant. In addition, participants received certificates of completion and were registered with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to enhance their business credentials.Hon. High Chief Canice Moore Nwachukwu, the Member representing Orlu, Orsu, and Oru East Federal Constituency, spoke during the closing remarks and commended the organizers for their commitment to empowering women and youth. He stated, “This initiative is a testament to our collective dedication to uplifting our communities by providing valuable skills and resources to our women and youth.”
Ambassador Kenneth Anetor, the project consultant, played a pivotal role in coordinating the program and hosting key dignitaries. Reflecting on the initiative, Ambassador Anetor remarked, “This program aims to equip our participants with the skills and resources necessary for financial independence. We are proud to witness the enthusiasm and determination of everyone involved.”
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The Chairman of Orlu Local Government Area also expressed his appreciation for the program, noting its positive impact on the community and the potential for sustainable development.
One participant shared, “This program has changed my life. I now have the skills and tools to start my own business and support my family.”
The organizers expressed their sincere gratitude to all partners, facilitators, and dignitaries for their support in making the bootcamp a resounding success. They remain committed to launching further initiatives that empower local communities and foster sustainable development.