By Paul Joseph
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to youth engagement, student welfare and inclusive national development following a strategic meeting between officials of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction and leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Abuja.
The assurance was given by the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction during a meeting with the NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, and members of the association’s convention planning delegation at the ministry’s headquarters.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Janet McDickson Noah, the minister commended the student leadership for embracing dialogue, consultation and institutional engagement in addressing issues affecting students across Nigeria.
The minister noted that the Federal Government remained committed to supporting initiatives capable of promoting national unity, youth inclusion, educational advancement and peaceful participation among young Nigerians.
Responding to requests presented by the student body, the minister assured the delegation that their proposals would undergo proper administrative and institutional review processes before official responses are communicated.
“We appreciate the proactive engagement by the leadership of Nigerian students. Your requests will be looked into accordingly and allowed to go through the necessary administrative and bureaucratic processes, after which appropriate responses will be communicated within the shortest possible time,” the minister stated.
The minister further emphasized that sustainable national development can only thrive when young people are actively engaged and encouraged to contribute positively to nation-building efforts.
He also reaffirmed the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with responsible youth-led organizations and stakeholders working toward improving the welfare and future prospects of Nigerians.
Earlier in his remarks, Director of the Social Development Department, Valentine Ezulu, welcomed the NANS delegation on behalf of the ministry and reiterated the government’s willingness to maintain productive relationships with Nigerian students and youth-focused institutions.
According to Ezulu, the ministry recognizes the strategic role students play in national development and social progress.
“On behalf of the Honourable Minister, I assure you of his continued partnership and willingness to always work with Nigerian students in order to ensure that the future of our youths is guaranteed in this country,” he said.
Speaking during the engagement, NANS President Oladoja briefed the ministry on preparations for what he described as one of the largest gatherings of Nigerian students expected to hold in Abuja in the coming days.
He explained that the national convention would bring together student leaders and representatives from tertiary institutions nationwide for deliberations, leadership transition activities and discussions on issues affecting Nigerian students.
Oladoja highlighted several advocacy and intervention efforts undertaken by the current NANS leadership across campuses, stressing that the association prioritizes peaceful engagement and consultation over confrontation.
According to him, the student body operates on the principle of the “4Cs” consultation, consolidation, communication before confrontation which he said has helped resolve several issues affecting students in tertiary institutions.
The NANS president also commended the growing cooperation between student leaders and government institutions, particularly in areas concerning educational stability, student welfare and campus security.
He added that the planned convention would serve as a platform for discussions on educational advancement, youth participation in governance and broader national development issues.
The student body also appealed for the ministry’s support and partnership toward the successful hosting of the convention, expressing optimism that sustained collaboration between government institutions and organized student groups would strengthen national cohesion and constructive youth participation in governance.
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