The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has commended Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for his continued commitment to the welfare and development of students across the state.
The commendation followed the governor’s recent announcement of the provision of electric bikes to student communities in Oyo State, an intervention NANS described as a practical response to the transportation and mobility challenges faced by students.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday, the National Financial Secretary of NANS, Comrade John Alao, said the initiative demonstrated Governor Makinde’s consistent commitment to addressing the needs of students through tangible interventions.
Alao described the governor as a leader whose support for students goes beyond promises, noting that the provision of electric bikes further demonstrated the administration’s determination to make student welfare and development a priority.
He recalled that Makinde had previously provided 28 buses to tertiary institutions and student communities across the state as part of efforts to address transportation challenges affecting students.
According to him, the latest provision of electric bikes represents an expansion of the administration’s efforts to explore innovative solutions to challenges confronting the student community.
The NANS leader also highlighted other interventions by the Oyo State Government, including bursary and scholarship programmes, educational materials, textbooks and exercise books, as well as broader investments in the education sector.
He noted that the government had distributed millions of exercise books to students in public secondary schools, describing the various interventions as deliberate efforts to improve access to education and reduce the financial burden on students and their families.
“NANS therefore considers today’s electronic-bike intervention not as an isolated gesture, but as another chapter in what the Association regards as Governor Makinde’s sustained investment in the welfare and educational advancement of Oyo State students,” Alao said.
The association further praised the governor for responding to the changing needs of students and recognising that investment in students is an investment in the future of the state.
Alao also commended the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Affairs, Victor Olojede, for his accessibility, responsiveness and continued engagement with student leaders across Oyo State.
He described Olojede as a vital link between the government and the student community, saying his engagement has helped ensure that students’ concerns are communicated to the government and receive appropriate attention.
NANS particularly welcomed Governor Makinde’s reaffirmation that the government would continue to prioritise the growth and development of Oyo State students until the final day of his administration.
The association said the governor’s declaration was being backed by concrete interventions that directly impact the lives and welfare of students.
NANS, however, urged Governor Makinde and Olojede to sustain their partnership with the student community and maintain the student-centred approach throughout the remaining period of the administration.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with the Oyo State Government and other stakeholders to ensure that student welfare, educational advancement and overall development remain key components of the state’s development agenda.
