President Bola Tinubu has challenged the newly inaugurated leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to channel its influence toward constructive engagement and meaningful advocacy that will strengthen Nigeria’s education sector.

The President made the call on Tuesday in Abuja during the inauguration of the 2026 National Executive Council of NANS, where he stressed the importance of collaboration between government and student leaders in addressing challenges confronting the nation's education system.

Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon, Tinubu said student organisations remain critical stakeholders in shaping educational policies and reforms, noting that sustainable progress in the sector would be difficult to achieve without the active support and participation of Nigerian students.

According to him, constructive criticism, rather than confrontational opposition, is essential for driving reforms capable of improving educational standards and expanding opportunities for students across the country.

The President praised the peaceful transition of leadership within NANS, describing it as a strong indication of unity, maturity and democratic culture within the association. He added that his administration has continued to place education at the centre of national development efforts through various reforms aimed at improving learning outcomes and tackling the persistent challenge of out-of-school children.

Tinubu also expressed appreciation to students nationwide for maintaining relative peace on campuses and supporting initiatives designed to reposition the education sector.

He particularly commended the outgoing NANS leadership for drawing national attention to allegations involving the diversion of funds from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing the move as an example of responsible and courageous student representation.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, urged the new NANS executives to remain committed to promoting national unity, patriotism and student welfare.

Represented by the Director of Polytechnic and Allied Institutions at the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Amy Igwe, the minister said the country's educational priorities are increasingly shifting toward skills acquisition, innovation and entrepreneurship.

He encouraged student leaders to champion programmes that equip young Nigerians with practical competencies capable of driving economic growth and reducing unemployment, rather than focusing solely on academic certificates.

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Alausa also called on NANS to support ongoing awareness campaigns on NELFUND, stressing the need to ensure that more students understand and benefit from the government's education loan initiative.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, lauded NANS stakeholders for supporting efforts aimed at restoring stability to the education sector. He urged students to continue embracing dialogue and constructive engagement with government institutions in resolving issues affecting tertiary education.

Delivering the keynote address, Vice-Chancellor of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, challenged NANS to play a more active role in confronting emerging threats facing higher institutions, including insecurity and deteriorating infrastructure.

Ologunorisa said the association must work toward rebuilding confidence among students while remaining steadfast in defending their rights and interests. He further pledged the support of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities toward strengthening the student body and advancing its developmental objectives.

In his acceptance speech, newly inaugurated NANS President, Babatunde Akinteye, pledged to lead with humility, accountability and dedication to student welfare.

Describing himself as a "chief servant" of Nigerian students, Akinteye promised to focus on effective representation, advocacy and policies that would improve the educational experience of students both within and outside the country.

He said his administration would pursue what he described as the “Epoch Agenda,” aimed at fostering unity among students, consolidating previous achievements and unlocking the immense potential of Nigerian youths.

Akinteye assured students that the mandate entrusted to him would not be taken for granted, pledging to remain faithful to the confidence reposed in his leadership.

He also expressed gratitude to student leaders, stakeholders and supporters across the country, while acknowledging the guidance and mentorship he received from the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, whom he credited for influencing his leadership journey.