…students receive laptops, cash prizes
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students’ Engagement, Sunday Asefon, has reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to educational development and the welfare of students.
Asefon said that this commitment informed the creation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has disbursed over N120 billion to beneficiaries to date.
He stated this at a ceremony on Wednesday in Abuja, marking the 2025 International Students’ Day Celebration with the theme, “Celebrating and Rewarding Academic Excellence: A Key to Unlocking Latent Potentials for Sustainable Development.”
The event brought together students from universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, secondary schools, and the Nigerian Law School.
It witnessed the presentation of various categories of awards to top-performing students across Nigeria, including cash prizes, laptops, and scholarships.
Speaking at the event, Asefon emphasised the transformative power of education in nation-building.
He 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.
“These exceptional achievers will receive scholarships, laptops, cash awards, and other empowerment tools to support their future endeavours.”
He said the initiative also recognised outstanding secondary school students, each receiving a N100,000 cash prize as motivation to continue striving for academic distinction.
Asefon said, “This initiative is fully aligned with the vision and commitment of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has consistently demonstrated unwavering support for education and the success of Nigerian students.
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“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.”
Also speaking, Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, described the celebration as a moment to recognise the relentless pursuit of knowledge, the late nights of study, and the unwavering determination that has brought these young minds to this pivotal moment.
The minister, who was represented by his Special Assistant on Technical Matters, Dr David Atuwo, noted the role of technology and scholarship in shaping future leaders.
Atuwo said, “In the 61 graduating students receiving laptops today, we see the tech innovators and digital leaders of tomorrow.
“Among the 29 recipients of the MSc Scholarship Awards, we see future professors, researchers, and policy architects who will drive national development.”
The Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, spoke of the collective responsibility of society to safeguard students’ welfare.
She reassured attendees that 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.
Uzoka-Anite 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.”
