By Felix Khanoba
The Federal Government has restated its commitment to creating safer learning environments across the country through sustained support for the Safe School Initiative.
This was highlighted by the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arch. Sonny Echono, during a visit by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to his office in Abuja on Thursday.
Echono said the government, working with security agencies, would continue to prioritise student safety.
“As I always said and in line with Mr President Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigerian students are in the heart of all we are doing in education sector because education is about teaching, is about learning.
“What are they learning, how are they learning, what are the outcome of their learning and these are the things that has propelled us to think beyond the box and look at the ways and means of how we can improve the learning condition,” the Executive Secretary said.
He noted that attention is also being given to improving teaching quality and providing physical, online, and other essential educational resources.
“We are also looking at the ways on how to encourage your lecturers to put in their best. How we can provide facilities both physical and online and all other educational resources,” he said.
Echono further assured NANS of the administration’s commitment to making Nigerian students globally competitive, emphasising youth empowerment and leadership development.
“Mr President is very grateful for the the massive support he received from the youths. We encourage you to continue. We will continue to implement programmes hat will help you, empower you and help you become effective leaders. Mr President is already leading the way by appointing youths into his cabinet,” Echono said.
He also pledged TETFund’s support for NANS’ programmes, including the forthcoming 45th anniversary celebration.
Earlier, the student body commended TETFund for its role in upgrading infrastructure in tertiary institutions, saying many campuses would struggle without the agency’s intervention. Representing NANS, Secretary General Comrade Anzaku Shedrack expressed confidence in Echono’s leadership, describing his performance as outstanding.
He informed the Executive Secretary that the visit was to brief him on preparations for the association’s 45th anniversary scheduled for December 4–7, 2025, where the President and the Executive Secretary are expected to be honoured as Grand Commander and Patron of Nigerian Students respectively.
