The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safer learning environments for Nigerian students through continued support for the Safe School Initiative.
The Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, made this known in Abuja during the 2025 International Students’ Day celebration organized by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement.
This was contained in a statement from the SA’s office on Thursday.
The statement quoted the minister as saying, “The government would continue to ensure funding for education, teachers’ salaries, school‑feeding programs, and safe learning environments through initiatives such as the Safe School Initiative.
“The youth of this country are a collective responsibility of everyone, not just the Student Union or the Ministry of Education. The brilliance, resilience, and creativity of our students are central to building Nigeria’s leadership, talent, and intellectual resources.
“Today, we celebrate more than just high grades. We celebrate the future of Nigeria.”
Speaking at the event, the SA on Student Engagement to the President, Sunday Asefon, emphasized the transformative power of education in nation‑building.
He said, “Every great society is built on the brilliance, diligence, and imagination of its young people. Today, we proudly honour the best graduating students from our universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and the Nigerian Law School.”
He said the awardees received scholarships, laptops, cash prizes and other empowerment tools, while exceptional secondary-school students were each given N100,000 to encourage academic excellence.
Asefon said the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to student welfare and education development.
He added, “The President believes, and we affirm today, that our students are not just leaders of tomorrow, but contributors to national development today. “When we reward academic excellence, we are investing in Nigeria’s future.
“To all the awardees: your outstanding performances have distinguished you. You represent the best of our educational institutions, and we are proud of your achievements. I encourage you to continue leading with integrity, innovation, and a sense of responsibility to your communities and the nation at large.”
International Students’ Day commemorates the 1939 Nazi crackdown on Czech students in Prague, where nine student leaders were executed and over 1,200 others arrested.
It was declared a global day of student solidarity in 1941.
This year, the National Association of Nigerian Students marked the day in Abuja with the theme, “Empowering Students to be Agents of Change,” highlighting patriotism, productivity and the push for student rights and unity.
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