The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has set an agenda for the new Minister of Education, Tunji Alaussa, demanding the prevention of the incessant industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.
The student body also asked him to ensure sustainable university funding and improved welfare for educators.
DAILY POST reports that President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday reshuffled his cabinet, sacking five ministers, appointing new ones and redeploying others including Alausa from the Ministry of Health to Education.
Reacting to the development, NANS Clerk of the Senate, Abdulyekinn Oduanyo, in a statement obtained by DAILY POST on Saturday, applauded Tinubu for the cabinet reshuffle.
Oduanyo urged the new minister of education to enhance
the quality of education, focusing on curriculum reform, teacher training, and innovative learning environments.
The Senate Clerk also tasked the newly appointed Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, with promoting an inclusive government by regularly interacting with student leaders and youth organizations and giving priority to programs that empower young people, encourage entrepreneurship, and create jobs.
Part of the statement reads: We acknowledge the President’s bold step, this move underscores his resolve to tackle the country’s socio-economic challenges, particularly those affecting education, youth empowerment, and national development.
” NANS specifically charges the new Minister of Youth Development to Foster an inclusive government through regular interface with student leaders and youth organizations.
” To Prioritize youth empowerment initiatives, entrepreneurship programs, and job creation, promote equality and fairness, ensuring equal opportunities for all, regardless of socio-economic background, ethnicity, or disability.
” To encourage innovation, supporting initiatives driving technological advancements and entrepreneurship among young Nigerians and address the lingering issues of youth unemployment, skills development, and access to education.
” We also urge the new Minister of Education to elevate the standard of education in Nigeria, building on the reforms initiative, such as Skills Development courses. Address the lingering issues of ASUU strikes, ensuring sustainable university funding and improved welfare for educators.
” To enhance the quality of education, focusing on curriculum reform, teacher training, and innovative learning environments. Promote inclusive education, ensuring equal opportunities for all, regardless of socio-economic background, ethnicity, or disability”.
NANS urged Nigerian students to maintain optimism about the country’s future, saying ” this reshuffle signals a renewed commitment to progress”.
Prevent ASUU strikes, improve welfare – NANS tells new Education Minister
