President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his dedication to addressing the challenges faced by Nigerian students studying abroad, as part of his citizen diplomacy policy aimed at enhancing their well-being.
During the fourth Diaspora quarterly webinar lecture series organized by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), with the theme “Well-being of Nigeria Students Abroad: Struggles, Challenges, and Solutions,” Tinubu’s reassurance was emphasized.
Representing the President at the event was his Senior Special Assistant on Student Engagement, Hon. Asefon Sunday Dayo. Notable attendees included Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM; Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the Registrar of JAMB; and Brig. Gen. Y.D. Ahmed, the Director General of NYSC.
In response to the concerns raised by the students, Hon. Dayo acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s awareness of the challenges faced by students abroad and assured that the government is diligently working to alleviate them.
He also encouraged the students to create more platforms for discussions and to escalate the issues to the appropriate authorities through their leaders.
Highlighting some of President Tinubu’s impactful interventions in ensuring students’ welfare, Hon. Dayo urged the students to be exemplary ambassadors of Nigeria in their respective countries of residence.
Echoing similar sentiments, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the need to permanently address the issue of non-payment of obligatory fees to students on scholarships abroad.
Adding to the discourse, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the JAMB Registrar, assured the students that the Board will continue to provide guidance, especially regarding the choice of reputable institutions and courses offered abroad. He advised students and their parents to exercise caution and conduct thorough checks to avoid unaccredited universities abroad.
Regarding the reabsorption of returning students into Nigeria’s higher institutions, Brig. Gen. Y.D. Ahmed, represented by Mr. Omotade Folorunso, highlighted the webinar as an opportunity to prioritize the students’ well-being, as it is crucial for securing a brighter future for Nigeria as a whole.
