By Our Correspondent

A group known as the 19 Progressive Comrades has applauded the vote of confidence passed on the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Student Engagement, Hon. Asefoun Sunday, describing his leadership as bold, visionary, and people-centred in advancing youth inclusion in governance.

In a statement, the group commended Hon. Sunday for what it called his unwavering commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the areas of education reform, student participation in governance, and strengthening institutions within Nigeria’s education sector.

The comrades said his approach reflects political will and strategic foresight in repositioning Nigerian students as active stakeholders in nation-building rather than passive observers.

They noted that his continued engagement with student leaders, progressive blocs, and ideological movements across the country demonstrates a deep understanding of youth mobilization and inclusive governance. According to the group, under his stewardship, the Office of the SSA on Student Engagement has become a credible platform for constructive dialogue, policy confidence, and renewed trust between the Federal Government and the student community.

The statement emphasized that sustainable national development cannot be achieved without deliberate investment in education and structured engagement with students. Consequently, the group called on student leaders, youth-based organizations, and progressive forces nationwide to rally behind the Renewed Hope initiative and actively contribute to shaping its outcomes.

“As a progressive ideological movement, we reaffirm our readiness to mobilize, engage, and defend policies that prioritize education, accountability, and youth empowerment,” the statement read.

The group reiterated its support for President Tinubu’s reform agenda and commended Hon. Asefoun Sunday for translating presidential vision into practical engagement within the Nigerian student constituency.

The statement was signed by the 19 Progressive Comrades.

By Our Correspondent

The Gombe State Students’ Association (GOSSA) has disclosed that over 18,000 students across tertiary institutions nationwide have benefited from the scholarship programme of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, with the state government spending more than ₦1.5 billion on students’ education.

The disclosure was made on 2 January, 2026, during a press conference held at the GOSSA National Secretariat, addressed by the National President of the association, Comrade Muhammad Al-Amin Bako.

According to the students’ leader, the scholarship initiative has significantly reduced the financial burden on parents and guardians amid prevailing economic challenges, allowing students to concentrate fully on their academic pursuits.

Comrade Al-Amin Bako commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for what he described as an “unwavering commitment to education and student welfare,” noting that the consistency and transparency in scholarship disbursement have distinguished the current administration.

He further praised the governor’s investments in the education sector, particularly the establishment of the Malam Sidi and Dukku campuses, which he said have expanded access to tertiary education, reduced congestion in existing institutions, and brought higher learning closer to rural communities.

The GOSSA president also lauded the construction of modern model schools across the state and the administration’s renewed focus on Almajiri education, which integrates formal education with moral and vocational training.

In addition, he applauded the state government for paying SSCE examination fees for secondary school students, describing the policy as a major relief for parents and a boost to school enrolment, retention, and completion rates.

Comrade Al-Amin Bako also acknowledged the appointment of three Special Advisers on Students’ Affairs, describing the move as a clear demonstration of inclusive governance and recognition of students as key stakeholders in state development.

He assured the governor of the continued support of Gombe State students, stressing that the student body remains committed to peace, progress, and the successful implementation of government policies.

“Gombe State students stand firmly with His Excellency and will continue to support initiatives that promote education, youth development, and sustainable growth,” he said.

The press conference concluded with a call for sustained investment in education as a catalyst for long-term development in Gombe State.

By Our Correspondent

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for its swift, timely, and professional intervention in the power supply dispute between the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) and the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe (FTHG), describing the outcome as a victory for public interest and human safety.

In a statement released on Wednesday, NANS noted that the prompt involvement of the DSS helped to de-escalate tensions, protect critical public infrastructure, and safeguard essential healthcare services relied upon by thousands of Nigerians, including students undergoing medical and allied health training at the tertiary institution. The association stressed that uninterrupted operations at a teaching hospital are non-negotiable due to their direct impact on lives and public safety.

NANS further applauded both JEDC and the management of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, for demonstrating maturity, responsibility, and leadership by reaching an amicable resolution in the overall interest of the public.

Speaking on behalf of the association, the Financial Secretary of NANS, Muhammad Yarima Garba, praised JEDC for showing a commendable level of responsibility by restoring electricity supply to the hospital, placing human lives and public welfare above all other considerations. He also lauded the management of FTH Gombe for its commitment, cooperation, and leadership in resolving the matter peacefully.

“The intervention of the DSS was timely and professional, ensuring that essential health services were not disrupted. We equally commend JEDC for reconnecting power and the hospital management for engaging constructively to reach a mutually beneficial understanding,” Garba said.

The student body urged all stakeholders to sustain constructive dialogue and mutual respect to prevent future disruptions, emphasizing the need for proactive engagement in resolving disputes involving critical public institutions.

NANS reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the welfare of Nigerian students, the protection of public infrastructure, and the promotion of the national interest, while calling on relevant authorities to always prioritize public safety and essential services in policy and operational decisions.