The distribution of buses to the student bodies of all universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide has been approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to a statement released on Monday by Dele Alake, Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy, the measure furthered Tinubu’s goal of easing the burden of the elimination of gasoline subsidies on students at higher educational institutions.
The statement comes in the midst of organized labor’s insistence on holding a nationwide rally on August 2.
The president wants to ensure that students can reach their universities without too much trouble as a result of the increase in transportation costs, the White House official said.
He said that by providing the buses, parents and guardians will be greatly relieved of the added financial strain of everyday commuting.
The announcement further stated that President Tinubu had ordered all limits on the student loan to be lifted in order to make it available to any student or household who would be interested.
He claimed the new rule was in keeping with his pledge to make sure no Nigerian student dropped out of school due to financial difficulties or their parents’ financial situation.
Alake further disclosed that Tinubu had ordered all Federal Institutions of Higher Learning officials to avoid arbitrary increases in various fees payable and, whenever possible, postpone any increases to save too much hardship for parents and students.
“While it is important to reiterate that President Tinubu has directed release of over 200,000 Metric Tonnes of grains to families in 36 states and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the government is working to ensure that vulnerable students can also benefit from conditional cash transfers and food distribution.
“The Federal Government salutes the courage, wisdom and partnership of Nigerian Students as our country navigates this challenging time.
“President Tinubu will continue to prioritise education and the needs of the students, improve welfare of teaching and non-academic staff and invest in infrastructure to make our institutions of higher learning become more globally competitive,” Alake said on behalf of the presidency.