Nwifuru Urges NANS To Champion Curriculum Reform For Self-Reliant Graduates
Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has called on the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to collaborate with relevant authorities in redesigning Nigeria’s tertiary education curriculum to produce graduates who are productive, innovative and self-reliant.
The Governor expressed concern that many tertiary institutions still offer courses that do not adequately prepare students for the realities of the labour market, resulting in graduates who struggle to become economically independent.
Governor Nwifuru made the call on Monday while receiving the newly elected leadership of NANS during a courtesy visit to his office in Abakaliki.
According to him, there is an urgent need to move beyond rhetoric and pursue excellence-driven educational reforms that will equip students with practical skills and expose them to the realities of life beyond the classroom.
He noted that the absence of reliable statistical data from industries to guide admissions and programme development has contributed to the disconnect between higher education and labour market demands.
“No statistical data to guide admissions processes is made available, especially from the industry. The labour market is very toxic, depending on how you make it as students. NANS should, therefore, join the call for strict compliance with industry-relevant courses because the idea of graduating students without industry-relevant skills has expired,” the Governor stated.
He urged the student body to champion courses and programmes capable of decongesting the labour market, promoting academic excellence, and fostering violence- and cultism-free campuses across the country.
Governor Nwifuru also commended the current leadership of NANS for maintaining unity within the association, describing cohesion among student leaders as essential for effective representation.
“I am happy that there is unity among you. No factions, because since factionalisation began, nobody has had the capacity to speak for NANS. This position needs capacity to deliver, and I am happy you are delivering,” he said.
The Governor further encouraged Nigerian students to support the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that several reforms introduced by the Federal Government have positively impacted students nationwide.
Earlier, the National President of NANS, Comrade Akintoye Babatunde Afeez, who led the delegation alongside the Senate President of the association, Comrade Ibeabuchi Onyia, praised Governor Nwifuru’s achievements in education, human capital development and infrastructure.
Afeez said the association was impressed by the Governor’s commitment to empowering students and expanding access to quality education through the establishment of specialized tertiary institutions.
“We have heard your stories of empowerment and how you are supporting students in their educational pursuits. We have also seen your huge investments in the ICT University at Oferekpe and your vision of building a world-class institution. We thank you for what you are doing for students,” he said.
The NANS President further commended the Governor’s efforts in ensuring security within educational institutions across the state.
He also expressed support for the policies of the Federal Government, citing initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the sustained industrial harmony within the university system.
Assuring the Governor of continued collaboration, Afeez stated that both President Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru had demonstrated commendable leadership and deserved the support of Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections.
The visit underscored the shared commitment of the Ebonyi State Government and the leadership of NANS to advancing educational development, student welfare and national progress.
