The newly elected President of the National Association of University Students (NAUS), Comrade Josiah Peter Oche, has vowed to consistently engage the government and relevant stakeholders to reduce financial barriers to education, ensuring that every student who is willing and able to study has the opportunity to do so.
He lamented the diverse challenges faced by university students and other learners, ranging from academic struggles to financial pressures, poor infrastructure, and social welfare issues.
Oche made this statement in Abuja on Tuesday after the 6th National Inauguration Ceremony and swearing-in of NAUS national executives, themed: “Transforming the Mentality of University Students through Digital Skills, Cyber Security, and Entrepreneurship.”
He commended the Federal Government’s initiative to engage with members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) consistently, stating that this should be sustained and that agreements reached should be implemented to ensure an uninterrupted academic calendar in the institutions.
He said: “We will advocate for the interests of students. We recognize the diverse challenges we face as learners, ranging from academic struggles to financial pressures, poor infrastructure, and social welfare issues.
“As your President, I pledge to continue the fight for better academic resources, improved living conditions, and better support for every single university student. This includes advocating for updated facilities, modern libraries, and more comfortable and affordable accommodation for all.
“We will also work to reduce financial barriers to education, ensuring that every student who is willing and able to study has the opportunity to do so.
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“My EXCO and I will work to implement better mental health services on campuses and ensure that every student has access to support when needed. We must prioritize the well-being of our peers because their mental health is just as important as their academic success.
“We will continue engaging with governmental bodies to ensure policies benefiting students are passed and that the government remains accountable to the educational needs of its youth. We commend the federal government for the implementation of NELFUND; these policies have made things easier for students on campus,” he stated.
He urged members of the National Association of University Students to embrace digital platforms to strengthen outreach, enhance transparency, and increase student participation.
“My mission as your President is clear: to protect and advance the welfare of students, engage meaningfully with the federal government for policies that benefit us, and transform our association into a more dynamic, digital, and inclusive body,” he added.
The new NAUS President called for continued support from members to create an environment that promotes academic excellence, well-being, and a brighter future for all.
