The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on Monday marked the 2025 International Students’ Day with an elaborate celebration at the University of Abuja.
The event drew students from across the country as well as representatives of regional organisations including the West African Students’ Union and the All-African Students Union (AASU).
This year’s global theme, “Empowering Students to be Agents of Change”, was paired with Nigeria’s national theme, “Reigniting Patriotism and Productivity Among Nigerian Youths/Students.”
Olushola Oladoja, NANS president, led the event, which many participants described as a significant return to campus-based celebrations after years of what they called disengagement from university communities.
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Aliyu Mukhtar Betara, chair of the house of representatives committee on the Federal Capital Territory, chaired the event.
In his opening remarks, he appreciated NANS for the opportunity and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening ties with the student community, describing them as the nation’s hope as well as its thinkers, innovators, and future leaders.
Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB registrar, delivered the keynote address. He lauded “the creativity and potential of Nigerian students while urging them to remain focused, disciplined, and avoid shortcuts in their pursuit of success”.
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Mathias Terwase Byuan, patron of NANS and executive director of finance and accounts at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), commended the association’s leadership for “its progress-driven approach” and announced the donation of a new NANS national secretariat “to enable it coordinate and run its operations effectively”.
On his part, Sunday Dayo Asefon, senior special assistant to the president on students engagement, praised the NANS leadership and assured them of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “continued commitment to students’ welfare, noting the administration’s ongoing and planned interventions in the education sector”.
Igwe Ude-umanta, chair of the NANS 2025 International Students’ Day committee, delivered the vote of thanks. He expressed gratitude to all invited guests and participants for making this year’s celebration a success.
“We want to sincerely thank all our guests and participants at this all-important celebration. In a very special way, we sincerely appreciate Byuan for his uncommon gesture. Special commendation is also due for the NANS executive for remaining focused and purposeful in their leadership,” he said.
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Highlights of the event included the award of prizes to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the National Examination Council (NECO), and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
Goodwill messages were delivered by Doris Uzoka-Anite, minister of state for finance; Asuquo Ekpenyong, senator; Olayinka Dada (Sadam), NECO registrar; Shehu Yobana, former NANS president; and several others.
The celebration closed with renewed calls for student unity, academic excellence, and strengthened collaboration between the government and the student community.
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