The Presidency has declared that the era of prolonged ASUU strikes that disrupted Nigeria’s tertiary education system for years is now history, citing three years of uninterrupted academic activities under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Asefon Dayo, made the declaration at the Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, during the North Central Zonal edition of the Renewed Hope Student Leaders Engagement and Digital Acceleration Programme.
Addressing more than 1,000 student leaders from the seven states of the North Central region, Dayo said Nigerian universities have experienced an unprecedented three years of uninterrupted academic calendars under the Tinubu administration.
He recalled his experience as President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), when students protested over prolonged university closures.
Dayo said the administration’s agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had helped create greater stability in the tertiary education system.
“Today, our universities, our tertiary institutions are now celebrating three years uninterrupted academic calendar because of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
He described the development as a major shift from the frequent disruptions that previously affected students and academic institutions.
According to Dayo, President Tinubu considers education one of the most important legacies that can be given to young Nigerians.
He said the administration has therefore made access to education and stability in the tertiary education system key components of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The presidential aide said resolving disruptions in the academic calendar was only part of the government’s broader objective for Nigerian students.
Dayo said the next priority should be preparing Nigerian students to compete in the global digital economy.
He identified artificial intelligence, data analysis, cybersecurity, software development and digital marketing among the areas where students should develop practical skills.
According to him, Nigerian students must move beyond seeking opportunities and become creators capable of developing solutions for the digital economy.
He said the student engagement programme was designed to help position young Nigerians as active participants in national development.
The event brought together executives of NANS, the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), the National Association of University Students (NAUS), Student Union Government presidents and other student representatives.
Dayo urged student leaders to recognise that their responsibilities extend beyond representing their colleagues.
“As a student leader, your responsibility goes beyond representation.”
He encouraged them to promote academic excellence, uphold integrity, support dialogue and foster peace and peaceful coexistence within their institutions.
The presidential aide disclosed that the programme had previously been held in the South-South region and would move to other geopolitical zones in the coming weeks.
He said the initiative was part of a deliberate strategy to engage students directly and position them as active partners in nation-building.
The Presidency said the broader focus is now shifting from simply maintaining uninterrupted academic calendars to equipping Nigerian students with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing global economy.
