The National Association of University Students (NAUS) has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his timely intervention in the lingering Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) dispute, describing the move as a decisive step toward achieving lasting academic stability in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
In a statement signed by the Deputy National President (National and Campus Affairs) of NAUS, Comr. Dr. Meshach Anthony Nwankwo (DVM), the association praised the President’s directive to the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, to act swiftly to avert another strike action.
According to Meshach, the intervention “reaffirms that academic stability is a cornerstone of national development,” adding that the introduction of the Federal Tertiary Institution Governance and Transparency Portal has further strengthened accountability and transparency across federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
He noted that under President Tinubu’s leadership, the education sector has witnessed a paradigm shift characterized by “fewer disruptions, structured dialogue, and tangible outcomes.” The association also commended the containment of the recent six-day warning strike and the success of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which continues to provide financial relief to millions of students.
“NELFUND remains a flagship achievement of this administration, restoring confidence in public tertiary education and ensuring timely financial support to deserving students,” Nwankwo stated.
The student leader further hailed the collaborative efforts of the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, describing their synergy as a model of “results-oriented governance.”
However, NAUS raised concern over what it termed “unjustifiable fee hikes” by some university administrations allegedly exploiting the NELFUND initiative. The association warned that such actions could undermine the federal government’s commitment to equitable access to education.
“Certain institutions are using the NELFUND scheme as a cover to impose exorbitant fees, which violates the spirit of Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution mandating equal and adequate educational opportunities,” the statement read.
NAUS called for immediate policy intervention to address the trend, urging state governments to complement federal efforts through consistent funding and improved bursary and scholarship programs for indigenous students.
The association also disclosed plans to engage the Director of University Education and the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education to standardize academic calendars nationwide — a move it says will optimize NELFUND operations, streamline admissions, and improve coordination among tertiary institutions.
Reaffirming its commitment to student welfare and educational advancement, NAUS pledged continued partnership with the Tinubu administration in building a robust, inclusive, and functional tertiary education system capable of driving Nigeria’s development agenda.