NANS Southwest Applauds Tinubu’s N45,000 Stipend for Technical Students, Calls It a Game-Changer

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone (Zone D), has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following his administration’s announcement of a monthly N45,000 stipend for students in technical and vocational institutions across Nigeria. The association has described the initiative as a transformative and forward-thinking policy aimed at bridging the country’s longstanding skills gap and enhancing youth empowerment.

In a statement issued by the Coordinator of NANS Southwest, Comrade Owolewa Taiwo, the student body commended what it called a “bold and student-centered” move that places technical education at the core of Nigeria’s development strategy. According to the group, the policy represents a milestone in the country’s journey toward an inclusive and practical education system capable of preparing students for real-world challenges.

“For decades, technical and vocational education has suffered neglect and underfunding,” the statement read. “This policy marks a turning point—not just a relief to thousands of students and their families, but a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future workforce.”

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Addressing Unemployment Through Skills Development

NANS Southwest emphasized that the N45,000 monthly support is far more than financial relief—it is a significant step in addressing systemic issues like youth unemployment, poor technical expertise, and the disconnect between education and employability. With many Nigerian graduates facing joblessness despite academic qualifications, the association believes that boosting technical education is one of the most sustainable paths toward economic productivity.

Comrade Owolewa stated that the initiative would boost enrollment in technical and vocational institutions and give Nigerian youth the opportunity to acquire critical, hands-on skills that are in high demand in both local and international labor markets.

“The Federal Government has taken a decisive step toward bridging Nigeria’s skills gap, tackling youth unemployment, and driving grassroots economic innovation,” he declared. “The ripple effect of this will benefit not only the education sector but also industrial development and entrepreneurship.”

Complementary Initiatives Welcomed

In addition to praising the N45,000 stipend, NANS Southwest acknowledged the broader scope of President Tinubu’s educational reform package. The student body applauded the inclusion of entrepreneurial grants, the Student Loan initiative under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), and the availability of low-interest loans for graduates.

“These complementary steps are critical for translating classroom skills into real-world value and sustainable livelihoods,” the statement noted. “It is no longer enough to graduate with a certificate—students need financial and institutional support to create, innovate, and build a future.”

The association said the convergence of multiple policy instruments—from stipends to loan access—represents a comprehensive approach to human capital development, which, if implemented effectively, could mark a new era for Nigerian education and youth inclusion in the economy.

While expressing optimism, NANS Southwest also emphasized the importance of timely and transparent implementation of the policy. The student body called on all relevant government agencies to ensure the rollout process is smooth, fair, and accountable.

“We urge the government to ensure timely and transparent implementation of this policy,” Comrade Owolewa stated. “This must not become another promise that dies in the pipeline. Implementation should be student-focused, with mechanisms for feedback and accountability.”

NANS also urged the Federal Government to involve student unions and representatives at every stage of implementation, from planning to disbursement and monitoring. According to the association, student involvement is critical to achieving the intended impact and preventing bureaucratic delays or corruption.

“Students are the beneficiaries, and their voices must be heard throughout this process. Inclusion leads to ownership, and ownership ensures sustainability,” the group added.

The NANS Southwest Zone believes the policy has the potential to reposition technical and vocational education from the margins to the mainstream of Nigeria’s education system. For too long, technical paths have been viewed as second-rate or less prestigious compared to university degrees, a perception that has contributed to Nigeria’s chronic skills shortage.

“This policy helps change that narrative,” Owolewa said. “It signals that technical and vocational skills are valuable, marketable, and critical to national growth.”

In conclusion, the association reaffirmed its support for the initiative and pledged to work with the government to ensure its success. “We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this visionary step and look forward to seeing its positive impact across the country,” the statement concluded.