Education Funding Remains Top Priority, Says Finance Minister

The Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to sustaining investments in education, including teachers’ salaries, school-feeding programmes and the Safe School Initiative.

She made this known in Abuja during the 2025 International Students’ Day celebration organised by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement.

According to a statement issued by the SA’s office, Uzoka-Anite stressed that Nigeria’s youth remain a shared national responsibility.

“The youth of this country are a collective responsibility of everyone, not just the Student Union or the Ministry of Education. The brilliance, resilience and creativity of our students are central to building Nigeria’s leadership, talent and intellectual resources,” she said.

She added that the day’s celebration went beyond academic performance, noting, “Today, we celebrate more than just high grades. We celebrate the future of Nigeria.”

Speaking at the event, the Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon, highlighted the transformative role of education in nation-building.

“Every great society is built on the brilliance, diligence and imagination of its young people. Today, we proudly honour the best graduating students from our universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and the Nigerian Law School,” he said.

KEBBI MASS ABDUCTION: SECURITY WITHDREW MINUTES BEFORE THE  ATTACK – Kebbi Governor 

Asefon noted that the awardees were presented with scholarships, laptops, cash rewards and other empowerment tools. Outstanding secondary-school students also received ₦100,000 each as an incentive for academic excellence.

He added that the initiative reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to student welfare and educational advancement.

“The President believes, and we affirm today, that our students are not just leaders of tomorrow but contributors to national development today. When we reward academic excellence, we are investing in Nigeria’s future,” he said.

Asefon urged the honourees to lead with integrity and innovation, reminding them of their responsibility to their communities and the nation.

International Students’ Day marks the 1939 Nazi assault on Czech students in Prague, during which nine student leaders were executed and more than 1,200 others arrested.

The tragedy led to the declaration of the day as a global celebration of student solidarity in 1941.

This year, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) commemorated the day in Abuja under the theme “Empowering Students to be Agents of Change,” focusing on patriotism, productivity and the advancement of student rights and unity.