Education Remains a Pillar of Tinubu Administration – Gbajabiamila

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to education, describing the sector as a central pillar of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

L-R: Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and President of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Olushola Oladoja when the NANS Leadership paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Staff, in the State House Abuja. Friday February 27, 2026

The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, gave the assurance on Friday when the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) paid him a courtesy visit at the State House, Abuja.

Gbajabiamila urged student leaders nationwide to reciprocate government investments in education by intensifying advocacy against social vices on campuses, particularly drug abuse, cultism and prostitution. He stressed that universities and colleges are not only centres of academic learning but also institutions for character development.

According to him, President Tinubu considers the fight against social vices a national priority, noting that a special committee has been set up to address rising concerns in secondary and tertiary institutions.

“Education is one of the pillars of this administration. We believe in the youths — in your energy and capacity — and we do not pay lip service to issues that affect you,” Gbajabiamila said. “I want to charge you to make moral reorientation part of your engagement with fellow students.”

The Chief of Staff commended the NANS leadership for its proactive and constructive engagement with government and encouraged the association to promote moral values as an unwritten code of campus culture.

He also disclosed that sustained dialogue between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has resulted in a lasting agreement, helping to maintain stability in the university system. He noted that Nigeria is approaching three years without a nationwide university strike.

Gbajabiamila recalled his experience as Speaker of the House of Representatives, where he participated in negotiations with ASUU during periods of frequent industrial actions that prolonged students’ academic programmes.

Highlighting government interventions, he pointed to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, saying the student loan scheme is enabling indigent students to remain in school.

In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon, reiterated the Presidency’s commitment to sustained dialogue with students and to restoring predictable academic calendars.

Speaking on behalf of the students, NANS President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, commended President Tinubu for what he described as unprecedented support for Nigerian students. He said improved engagement with ASUU and the implementation of the student loan scheme have helped stabilise tertiary education, with many four-year programmes now running their full course without disruption.

Oladoja disclosed that over 900,000 students have benefited from the loan scheme. He also cited recent security interventions, including the approval of perimeter fencing for vulnerable institutions following reports of hostel incursions.

While pledging continued support for government policies, the NANS president said the association would sustain its conflict-resolution framework. He also requested an audience with the President, sought palliatives for students during the fasting seasons, and appealed for increased job opportunities for young graduates.

Oladoja further informed the Presidency of plans to hold a major student gathering in Abuja to publicly endorse the President’s policies, pledging that NANS would continue to promote peace and constructive dialogue across campuses.