President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday pledged that his administration would commit more resources to the education sector in the country. He said this was to ensure that every Nigerian child, regardless of background, has access to quality education.

The president said this when he received the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) leadership at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Mr Tinubu declared that poverty should not be a barrier to education, emphasising the transformative power of education in combating poverty.

“If we all believe that education is the greatest weapon against poverty, then we have to invest in it. Poverty should not prevent anybody, any child, including the daughter or son of a wood seller, ‘boli’ (roasted plantain) seller or yam seller from attaining their highest standard of education, to eliminate poverty,” stated Mr Tinubu.

He added, “If you eliminate poverty from one family, you can carry the rest of the weight.”

The president, who promised to consider the requests of NANS, urged the students to ensure unity among its members across the country to achieve more.

“You have to promote unity and stability among each other. You have to employ democratic means in your programmes and elections. I have to say anyone who is unable to accept and celebrate a free and fair election does not deserve the joy of victory,” he said.

The president expressed his appreciation for the students union’s support of the fuel subsidy removal.

“I’m glad you understand the reason for the subsidy removal. We were at a point where Nigeria tried to draw water from a dry well, and that is no longer acceptable, and we equally must not continue to service the smugglers,” added the president.

(NAN)