The National Association of Nigerian Students has applauded President Bola Tinubu for the approval of N683 billion as the 2024 Intervention Fund for public tertiary education institutions in the country.

The amount was announced on Friday by the Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Sonny Echono, during a strategic planning meeting with heads of beneficiary-institutions in Abuja.

The NANS President, Pedro Obi, told journalists in Enugu on Friday that the “monumental decision” marked a significant milestone in the development of the education system in the country.

Mr Obi said that the association recognised the immense dedication and commitment of the President towards improving the quality of education in Nigeria.

According to him, the approval demonstrates the government’s support for public tertiary institutions.

This, he said, remained a clear indication of President Tinubu’s recognition of the pivotal role that education plays in shaping the future of the nation.

“We believe that the allocation of these funds will go a long way in addressing the various challenges faced by public tertiary institutions across the country. NANS urges the management of the institutions to utilise the subvention in a proper and transparent manner.

“It is imperative that these funds are directed towards initiatives that will directly benefit the students and enhance the quality of education offered in these institutions,” he said.

The NANS president also implored the school managements to ensure that the intervention helped to reduce the increment and hike in school fees experienced by students in tertiary institutions.

“It is our firm belief that education should be affordable and accessible to all, and the prudent utilisation of the funds will contribute to achieving this goal. NANS remains committed to collaborating with the government and relevant stakeholders to address the challenges facing the Nigerian educational system.

“We are confident that with continued support and investment in the sector, we can create an enabling environment for students to thrive academically and become productive members of society.

“Once again, we express our deepest appreciation to President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and commitment to the advancement of education in Nigeria,” he said.

He, however, called on students to remain focused, dedicated, and utilise the opportunities provided by the intervention fund for their educational and personal growth and development.

(NAN)