FG Reaffirms Commitment to Student Safety in Schools

The Federal Government (FG) has reaffirmed its commitment to creating safer educational environments for Nigerian students by continuing its support for the Safe School Initiative.

Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Minister of State for Finance, shared this information in Abuja during the celebration of International Students’ Day 2025, organized by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement.

This was announced in a statement released by the SA’s office on Thursday.

In the statement, the minister said, “The government will continue to provide funding for education, teachers’ salaries, school feeding programs, and secure learning environments through initiatives like the Safe School Initiative.

“The youth of this nation are a shared responsibility of everyone, not just the Student Union or the Ministry of Education. The intelligence, resilience, and creativity of our students are vital to building Nigeria’s leadership, talent, and intellectual capacity.

“Today, we honor more than just high academic achievements. We celebrate Nigeria’s future.”

During the event, Sunday Asefon, the Special Assistant on Student Engagement to the President, highlighted the important role of education in building the nation.

He stated, “Every successful society is built on the brilliance, hard work, and creativity of its youth. Today, we proudly recognize the top graduating students from our universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and the Nigerian Law School.”

He noted that the awardees received scholarships, laptops, cash prizes, and other resources for empowerment, while outstanding secondary school students received N100,000 each to support academic excellence.

Asefon mentioned that the initiative supports President Bola Tinubu’s focus on student welfare and educational improvement.

He added, “The President believes, and we confirm today, that our students are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also contributors to national progress today. When we celebrate academic excellence, we are investing in the future of Nigeria.

“To all the awardees: your impressive achievements set you apart. You represent the best of our educational institutions, and we take pride in your accomplishments. I encourage you to continue leading with integrity, innovation, and a sense of duty to your communities and our nation.”

International Students’ Day commemorates the crackdown by the Nazis in 1939 against Czech students in Prague, which led to the execution of nine student leaders and the arrest of over 1,200 others.

It became a global day of student solidarity in 1941.

This year, the National Association of Nigerian Students marked the day in Abuja with the theme, “Empowering Students to be Agents of Change,” focusing on patriotism, productivity, and advocacy for student rights and unity.