The Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim, has appealed to youths to reconsider their plan to embark on a 10-day protest starting from August 1. During a visit from members of the newly constituted National Students Management Council (NSMC) in Abuja, led by Senior Special Assistant to the President, Sunday Asefon, Ibrahim emphasized the need for peace and stability to achieve the nation’s goals.
Ibrahim acknowledged the economic hardships and high cost of food items affecting the country, noting that these issues are not unique to Nigeria and have been exacerbated globally since the COVID-19 pandemic. She urged the youths to remain law-abiding and reassured them that the government is addressing these challenges.
She highlighted the government’s commitment to student welfare, citing various programs introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including the student loan scheme and the establishment of the Youth Development Bank to support young entrepreneurs. Ibrahim also mentioned the rehabilitation of 42 Youth Development Centres across the country in partnership with the private sector to enhance service delivery and sustainability.
Jacob Ternenge, a Principal Special Assistant (PSA) on Youth and Student Affairs to the Governor of Benue State and a council member, expressed opposition to the planned protest, vowing to work with students and youth across the country to reject it. Sunday Asefon added that the council would collaborate with the ministries of Youth Development and Education to ensure that government policies reach the grassroots and support the education sector’s objectives.