The President of the National Association of University Students (NAUS), Comrade Josiah Peter Oche, urged the Federal Government to continue to have productive engagement with members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
This, according to Oche, would forestall frequent strike actions and disruption of academic programmes of Nigerian universities in the past.
The newly elected President of NAUS said the Association on its part would engage the government and relevant stakeholders to ensure the reduction of financial barriers to education, ensuring that every student who is willing and able to study has the opportunity to do so.
He lamented diverse challenges faced by University students and other learners, ranging from academic struggles to financial pressures, poor infrastructure and social welfare issues.
Oche spoke with newsmen after the 6th national inauguration ceremony of NAUS national executives, with the theme: ‘Transforming the mentally of University Students through digital skills, Cyber Security, and Entrepreneurship’.
He said: “We would advocate for the interests of the students. We recognise the diverse challenges we face as learners, ranging from academic struggles to financial pressures, from poor infrastructure to social welfare issues.
“As your President, I pledge to continue the fight for better academic resources, better living conditions, and better support for every single University student. This includes pushing for updated facilities, modern libraries, and more comfortable and affordable accommodation for all.
“We will also work to ensure the reduction of financial barriers to education, ensuring that every student who is willing and able to study has the opportunity to do so.
“My exco and I will work to implement better mental health services on campuses, and ensure that every student has access to support when they need it. We must prioritise the well-being of our peers because their mental health is just as important as their academic success.
“We will continue to engage with governmental bodies to ensure that policies benefiting students are passed and that the Government remains accountable to the educational needs of its Youth. We commend the federal government for the implementation of the NELFUND, these policies have made things easier for students in campus.”
He urged members of the National Association of University Students to embrace digital platforms to strengthen their reach, enhance transparency, and increase student participation.
“My mission as your President is clear: to protect and advance the welfare of students, to engage meaningfully with the federal government for policies that benefit us, and to transform our Association into a more dynamic, digital, and inclusive body,” he added.
The new NAUS President called for the continued support of members to create an environment that promotes academic excellence, well-being, and a brighter future for us all.
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We’ll push for reduction of barriers to education, students’ welfare — NAUS President
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