The National President of the Congress of National Open University of Nigeria Students has commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as student-friendly reforms in the education sector.
The students’ body said the administration’s policies signalled renewed hope for Nigerian youths seeking quality and inclusive education.
Speaking in a statement on Thursday, Comrade Daudu Ahemode Jeffrey praised Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to repositioning education for national development.
He also applauded the Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, for driving administrative reforms and improving academic delivery in the institution.
Jeffrey, however, raised concerns over the continued exclusion of NOUN graduates from the National Youth Service Corps scheme.
He urged the President, through the Minister of Education, to immediately facilitate the full mobilisation of NOUN graduates for national service, insisting that they are bona fide Nigerian graduates who deserve equal treatment.
According to him, denying them access to the scheme amounts to educational inequality and social injustice.
The CONS President also demanded the prompt implementation of the Federal Government’s students’ loan scheme for NOUN students.
He said access to the loan facility would enable eligible students to complete their programmes without financial hardship.
Jeffrey warned individuals or groups attempting to factionalise or destabilise the students’ body to desist immediately
He stressed that the Congress would deploy all lawful and constitutional means to defend its mandate and protect its leadership from unlawful interference.
The students’ body reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with government authorities and university management to advance the welfare and academic rights of its members nationwide.