AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
The Senate of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has commended the Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Hon. Sunday Adedayo Asefon, for their continued commitment to promoting student leadership and youth development in Nigeria.
In a statement issued by the President of the NAPS Senate, Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide, the association expressed appreciation to the two government officials for facilitating a brand-new Sienna bus to support the activities of the six zonal coordinators of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
According to the statement, the gesture demonstrates genuine concern for the growth and effectiveness of student leadership structures across the country.
The NAPS Senate described the intervention as both timely and symbolic of the increasing attention the current administration is paying to student bodies and youth participation in national development.
“The facilitation of the vehicle will enhance the operational capacity of the zonal coordinators, enabling them to better represent the interests of students and strengthen communication between student leaders and relevant stakeholders,” the statement said.
Ayomide noted that the development further reinforces the relationship between the government and student organisations, creating opportunities for student leaders to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
He also praised the minister and the presidential aide for their dedication to empowering young leaders and supporting student institutions, noting that their efforts have not gone unnoticed within the Nigerian student community.
While celebrating the initiative, the NAPS Senate urged the government to ensure that similar benefits and opportunities extended to student leaders remain inclusive of other student unions across the country.
The association noted that organisations such as NAPS and other allied student bodies represent a significant population within Nigeria’s student community and remain committed partners in national development.
It stressed that ensuring inclusiveness in government engagement with student organisations would further promote unity, fairness and collective progress within the student movement.
The NAPS Senate reiterated its appreciation to the Minister of Youth Development and the Senior Special Assistant on Student Engagement for their continued efforts toward strengthening the youth and student constituency in Nigeria.
