The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for investments in federal road infrastructure, particularly roads providing access to tertiary institutions.
The commendation followed the commencement of a nationwide inspection tour of Federal Government road projects by the students’ body, with the first phase covering the Kaduna-Abuja and Kaduna-Kano road corridors.
The tour, led by NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, is aimed at assessing the condition and quality of federal roads used by students, examining their impact on movement and identifying areas that may require further government attention.
Kaduna-Abuja Road Inspected
The inspection began in Kaduna State at the Federal Co-operative College, Kaduna, where the NANS delegation assessed an ongoing Federal Government road project along the Kaduna-Abuja corridor.
According to the association, the road passes through the institution and serves as an important access route for students and other members of the academic community.
NANS said the exercise was intended to provide a firsthand assessment of infrastructure that directly affects students’ daily movement to and from their institutions.
The association subsequently proceeded to Kano State, where it inspected the Kaduna-Kano Road, particularly the section passing through Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education.
Students Commend Road Improvements
Speaking during the inspection, Afeez said the Kaduna-Kano Road section around Sa’adatu Rimi College was in good condition and had contributed to easier movement for students.
He also engaged students and the Students’ Union leadership to obtain their views on the road project and its impact on their daily activities.
According to NANS, students of Sa’adatu Rimi College commended Tinubu and Umahi over the project, saying the improved road had eased transportation challenges around the institution.
Afeez said road infrastructure was particularly important to students because many of them depend on public roads every day to access their campuses.
“As students, we are directly affected by government policies and must remain actively involved in policy formulation and government projects, especially those that affect us,” he said.
NANS Advocates Student Participation
The NANS president also urged students to take a greater interest in government policies and infrastructure projects that affect their welfare and academic activities.
He said students should not only benefit from public infrastructure but should also participate in discussions and monitoring of projects that have a direct impact on their lives.
The association also held discussions with the management of Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education on student welfare and other issues affecting members of the academic community.
NANS commended the institution’s Provost, Dr Kabiru Ahmed Gwarzo, for what it described as his commitment to students’ wellbeing.
Nationwide Inspection to Continue
The students’ body said the Kaduna and Kano inspections were only the beginning of a broader nationwide exercise.
Afeez explained that NANS would continue visiting federal road projects leading to tertiary institutions across the country to assess their quality, examine their impact on students and identify challenges requiring government intervention.
At the end of the exercise, the association plans to compile its observations and recommendations into an official report for presentation to relevant authorities.
NANS said the exercise was part of its broader advocacy for policies and infrastructure capable of improving students’ welfare and access to education.
The association maintained that safe and accessible roads remain essential to students, particularly those who travel long distances to attend lectures, examinations and other academic activities.
The nationwide tour is therefore expected to provide the students’ body with an opportunity to document conditions across different road corridors and engage stakeholders on areas requiring attention.