NANS Honours Tinubu, Governor Idris for Championing Student Welfare

Byline: Umar Faruk 

Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria -July 31, 2025 (Series News Online)

The Apex Student Organization in Nigeria, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has bestowed prestigious titles upon Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Governor Idris has been named 'Commander of Nigerian Students' (CNS), while President Tinubu has been honoured as 'Great Commander of Nigerian Students' (GCNS). This recognition is part of the association's 45th anniversary celebrations, slated for later this year.

During a formal visit to Governor Idris at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi, on Thursday, NANS National President, Olusola Oladoja, disclosed this development. Oladoja emphasized that this gesture is a token of appreciation for the extraordinary initiatives undertaken by both leaders to promote the interests of Nigerian students. He quoted, "President Tinubu stands as the pioneering Nigerian leader to establish relief measures for students via the National Educational Loan Fund, NELFUND, coupled with an accessible interface policy for students."

Oladoja proceeded to underscore President Tinubu's accomplishments, stating, "The President has convened five separate meetings with NANS leadership to address student issues, and we duly acknowledged the N3 trillion earmarked for the Education sector. Tinubu has further ensured uninterrupted academic sessions in Universities for two consecutive years sans strikes, and has extracted ASUU from IPPIS."

 The NANS President singled out Kebbi Governor Nasir Idris from the North West geopolitical zone as the recipient of the CNS accolade, citing his substantial investments in student welfare aimed at positioning Kebbi as a benchmark state for academic distinction. Oladoja mentioned, "NANS recognizes the Governor's purposeful strides to elevate the education sector, including sustained scholarship payments, prioritization of student welfare, and provision of transportation facilities for students."

 Oladoja further noted, "Additionally, Governor Idris has augmented the capabilities of educators to deliver essential knowledge to pupils and students, alongside upgrading select institutions to higher tiers, exemplified by the transformation of the School of Nursing into a degree-conferring College of Nursing, Birnin Kebbi. The CNS award is designated for governors from each of Nigeria's six geopolitical zones, and NANS has designated Comrade Nasir Idris from the North West as this zone's awardee."

 Asefor Sunday Dayo, Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Students Engagement, who headed the NANS delegation during the courtesy call, lauded Governor Nasir Idris for his student-centric approach, offering facile access for consultations and substantive material and financial backing for students. Dayo stated, "President Tinubu has inaugurated a novel paradigm aimed at enhancing student welfare and well-being in their academic pursuits. Comrade Idris is emulating this model in Kebbi, where we have witnessed commendable efforts to facilitate contemporary learning modalities for students' ease and comfort. President Tinubu expresses gratitude for your initiatives in youth and student development."

 In his response, Governor Nasir Idris thanked the student delegation led by the SSA to the President for their visit, acknowledging the monumental progress his administration has made in rebranding Kebbi as an industrial, agricultural, and cultural epicenter. Governor Idris quoted, "Birnin Kebbi, our state capital, has undergone a metamorphosis into a contemporary city on par with its national counterparts. Prior to the 2023 elections, President Tinubu pledged to resuscitate the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, a commitment I am steadfastly honouring."

 Governor Idris elaborated, "With divine favour, I have programmed the festival for February/March next year, promising renewed vitality and global allure. Since assuming office, my administration has alleviated the educational burden on parents through a free education policy, covering scholarships, registration fees, tuition, and maintenance allowances for all Kebbi students, both domestically and abroad."

 Governor Idris added, "I have upgraded school feeding programs in our secondary schools from N175 million to N300 million as an incentive for students to persist in their studies. My government has undertaken extensive infrastructural enhancements in educational facilities, supplied furniture, and provided modern teaching aids. I also commend President Tinubu for pioneering NELFUND, an unprecedented initiative in our nation's history; no previous president has matched his remarkable support for students in pursuit of academic excellence."

 Governor Idris concluded, "My administration's doors remain open to students to further the cause of knowledge; as a labour leader, I am intimately acquainted with the struggles students face."