FG restates commitment to safer learning environments, backs safe school initiative
The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening safety in schools across the country through sustained support for the safe school initiative.
Sonny Echono, executive secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), gave the assurance on Thursday when he received leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in his office in Abuja.
Echono said the government, working with security agencies, remains committed to creating secure and conducive learning environments for Nigerian students.
“As I have always said—and in line with the renewed hope agenda of Mr President—Nigerian students are at the centre of everything we are doing in the education sector,” he said.
“Education is about teaching and learning. What are students learning? How are they learning? What outcomes are they getting? These questions drive us to think beyond the box and explore new ways to improve learning conditions.
“We are also looking at how to encourage lecturers to give their best and how to provide the physical and online facilities and other educational resources needed to support effective learning.”
Echono said the present administration is focused on producing globally competitive graduates who would not only seek employment after school but also create jobs for others.
“Mr President remains grateful for the massive support he received from the youth,” he said.
“We encourage you to continue. We will keep implementing programmes that empower you and help you become effective leaders. Mr President is already leading the way by appointing young people into his cabinet.”
He also assured the student body of TETFund’s support for its programmes, including activities lined up for NANS’ forthcoming 45th anniversary.
Earlier, the NANS leadership commended TETFund for its continuous investment in infrastructure across tertiary institutions, noting that many institutions would struggle to survive without the agency’s intervention.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Anzaku Shedrack, secretary-general of NANS, passed a vote of confidence on Echono, praising his performance as executive secretary of the Fund.
He said the visit was to formally inform the TETFund boss of the association’s plans for its 45th anniversary scheduled for December 4–7, 2025, during which President Bola Tinubu and Echono will be honoured as grand commander and patron of Nigerian students, respectively.
