The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the Federal Government to ensure that the budget allocated to the education sector in 2024 is fully implemented.
The association’s Senate President, Mr Akinteye Afeez, gave the advice in a statement issued to newsmen on Tuesday in Lagos.
According to him, the funds must be used to cater for everything stated, and no form of indiscriminate diversion should be tolerated going forward.
He noted that part of the reason why the sector had been suffering persistent setbacks over the years, aside not meeting the global benchmark of funding, was as a result of poor implementation and inadequate monitoring.
“Having gone through the breakdown of the budget for the sector for the 2024 fiscal year, we have come to realise that a total of 8.8 per cent has been allocated to education.
“While this amount is still low compared to the immediate needs of the students community, it is also important we appreciate the Federal Government, for the inclusion of the Students loan, which we believe, will help our students greatly, in catering for their tuition.
“However, having said this, it is also most important that the Federal Government will strive to ensure the full implementation of the allocated funds for education.
“The education sector has a lot of immediate needs that even these allocated funds cannot cover and therefore, can not afford any form of inconsistency or corruption,” he stated.
Afeez assured the Federal Government of the total support of leaders of the association, while pledging their commitment in ensuring the monitoring of effective implementation of the funds for education.
“It is our duty to monitor and advocate for the proper utilisation of these resources and this, we shall do diligently.
“Through our diligent efforts, we aim to promote transparency and accountability in the education sector.
“We will work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the funds are utilised efficiently, benefiting students across the nation.
“Together, we shall strive for a brighter future for Nigerian students.
“By working hand in hand with the Federal Government, we shall create an educational system that equips our youth with the tools they need to succeed and contribute to the growth and development of our great nation,” Afeez assured.
