The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its dedication to securing learning centres across the country by expanding support for the national Safe School Initiative, an intervention created to combat rising security risks affecting the education sector.
The renewed assurance was given in Abuja by the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, during the 2025 International Students’ Day celebration convened by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement. Okay News reports that the event brought together young achievers from different institutions nationwide.
According to an official statement released by the Office of the Special Assistant, the minister emphasised that the Federal Government will continue to prioritise education funding, welfare programmes and infrastructural safety in schools.
She stated, “The government would continue to ensure funding for education, teachers’ salaries, school-feeding programmes, and safe learning environments through initiatives such as the Safe School Initiative.”
The minister added that the wellbeing of young people remains a shared responsibility across sectors and institutions, noting that students represent a crucial pillar of national development. She said, “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.”
During the ceremony, the Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon, highlighted the significance of education in strengthening the nation’s future.
Asefon 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 disclosed that honourees received scholarships, laptops, financial support and various empowerment tools. Additionally, exceptional secondary school students were awarded one hundred thousand naira each as an encouragement for academic distinction.
Highlighting the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding human capital development, Asefon explained that the recognition programme aligns with the administration’s strategy for nurturing talent. 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 is observed globally to commemorate the 1939 Nazi attack on Czech students in Prague, a tragic incident in which nine student leaders were executed and over one thousand two hundred others detained. The global observance was established in 1941 to honour student resilience and solidarity.
This year, the National Association of Nigerian Students celebrated the day in Abuja under the theme, “Empowering Students To Be Agents Of Change,” focusing on patriotism, productivity and the rights of students across the federation.
