BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Abuja
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on Monday marked the 2025 International Students’ Day with an elaborate celebration at the University of Abuja, drawing students from across the country and representatives of regional student bodies including the West African Students’ Union and the All-African Students Union (AASU).
This year’s global theme, “Empowering Students to be Agents of Change,” was complemented by Nigeria’s national theme, “Reigniting Patriotism and Productivity Among Nigerian Youths/Students.”
The event, led by NANS President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, marked a return to campus-based celebrations after what many described as a long period of disengagement from university communities.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion Hon. Aliyu Mukhtar Betara, who chairs Chairman House Committee on Federal Capital Territory reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening ties with the student community.
He described the young people as the nations hope as well as its thinkers, innovators, and future leaders.
Delivering the keynote address, the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, praised the creativity and potential of Nigerian students while urging them to remain focused, disciplined, and avoid shortcuts in their pursuit of success.
In his remarks, Dr. Mathias Terwase Byuan who is the Patron of NANS and Executive Director of Finance and Accounts at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), commended the association’s leadership for its progress-driven approach and announced the donation of a new NANS national secretariat to enable it coordinate and run its operations effectively.
On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement, Comrade Sunday Dayo Asefon, praised the NANS leadership and assured them of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s continued commitment to students’ welfare, noting the administration’s ongoing and planned interventions in the education sector”.
The Chairman of the NANS 2025 International Students’ Day Committee, Comrade Igwe Ude-umanta expressed gratitude to all invited guests and participants for making this year’s celebration a huge success.
“We want to sincerely thank all our guests and participants at this all important celebration. In a very special way, we incerely appreciate Dr. Byuan for his uncommon gesture. Special commendation is also due for the NANS executive for remaining focused and purposeful in their leadership”
Highlights of the celebration included award of prizes to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the National Examination Council (NECO), and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) as well as goodwill messages from the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, NECO Registrar, Comrade Olayinka Dada (Sadam), former NANS President Comrade Shehu Yobana and many others.
The celebration closed with renewed calls for student unity, academic excellence, and strengthened collaboration between government and the student community.
