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NANS calls for student loan increase to N40,000 amid fuel price hike
NANS calls for student loan increase to N40,000 amid fuel price hike
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) is advocating for a significant boost in student loans from N20,000 to N40,000 in response to the recent increase in fuel prices.
This call was made by NANS Senate President, Babatunde Akinteye, during a press conference in Abuja on Monday.
Akinteye highlighted that the proposed adjustment is crucial to help students cope with the escalating cost of living while ensuring they can continue their education without undue financial pressure.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Government to raise the student loan amount from N20,000 to N40,000, citing the recent increase in fuel prices as a significant factor. Babatunde Akinteye, the NANS Senate President, made this demand during a press conference in Abuja on Monday.
Akinteye emphasized that increasing student loans is necessary to help students manage the rising cost of living and continue their education without facing excessive financial hardship. He also urged the government to reduce its excessive spending, arguing that those in leadership positions should set an example during these challenging times.
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Calling for calm, Akinteye expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms would yield positive results. “We are at a crucial point in our nation’s history, where economic reforms have brought discomfort, hunger, and despair,” he said. “The reality is daunting, and the uncertainty is undeniable, but we must remain united and focused.”
He cautioned against destructive actions, stating, “Burning down our country is not an option; it is not a solution. As Africa’s leading student and youth movement, we share the same struggles, hopes, and aspirations as all Nigerians.”
Akinteye encouraged a thoughtful and strategic approach to the current economic challenges, which include foreign exchange fluctuations, fuel shortages, and rising food prices. He urged the government to address these issues directly, noting that the high fuel cost is especially burdensome for students and the lower-income population.
“We understand that Nigerians, particularly students, are deeply affected by high fuel prices, as our economy heavily relies on fuel,” Akinteye said. “The lower class feels the impact most intensely, and their distress is understandable. However, it is vital to handle these issues with caution and strategy.”
He also highlighted the need to resist reacting hastily, as the nation’s mood is tense and people are on edge. “Many are waiting for a spark to ignite unrest, but we must avoid acting hastily. Preserving life and liberty is crucial,” he added.
Akinteye assured that the safety of Nigerian students remains NANS’s top priority, stating, “We will not risk exposing them to danger by hastily calling for protests.”
NANS calls for student loan increase to N40,000 amid fuel price hike
News
Tinubu not telling Nigerians the truth, says Sule Lamido
Tinubu not telling Nigerians the truth, says Sule Lamido
President Bola Tinubu has been accused of not being forthright about the true state of Nigeria under his administration.
Former Jigawa State Governor and senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member, Sule Lamido, made the accusation while speaking on the BBC Hausa programme Gane Mini Hanya.
Lamido criticized both Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari for what he described as a lack of transparency in governance.
“Buhari’s and Tinubu’s governments are not being transparent with Nigerians unlike during the time when PDP was in power where everything was transparent and open to all Nigerians,” Lamido said.
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He accused the two administrations of relying on propaganda rather than providing citizens with accurate information.
Lamido also expressed concerns over President Tinubu’s recent loan requests, questioning the logic behind them. “If Nigerians are being told the truth then there is nothing wrong with that, but how would you budget N30tn, generate N50tn and then request loan when you have a surplus of N20tn,” he said, referencing last year’s budget.
He described the situation as “reckless” and “selfish,” adding, “This recklessness and clear-cut selfishness is not done anywhere in the world, but yet you find (some) Nigerians supporting it. Visit social media and see how APC is being criticised, being referred to as calamity, yet you find some protecting it.”
Tinubu not telling Nigerians the truth, says Sule Lamido
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Nigeria Customs Service begins 2025 recruitment [How to apply]
Nigeria Customs Service begins 2025 recruitment [How to apply]
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the commencement of its recruitment exercise, assuring Nigerians that the process is entirely free and fair.
The agency has cautioned the public to be vigilant against scammers who may attempt to exploit unsuspecting applicants during the recruitment period.
Applications are invited for positions in the Superintendent, Inspector, and Customs Assistant cadres as part of the Service’s plan to recruit 3,927 officers in 2025.
This initiative is aimed at enhancing trade facilitation and supporting Nigeria’s economic recovery efforts.
“Our recruitment is entirely free and fair. At no stage do we charge fees. Anyone requesting payment is a scammer,” the agency emphasized, urging applicants to be wary of fraudulent schemes.
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The NCS outlined eligibility criteria, stating that applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth, possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN), and have no criminal record or ongoing investigations.
Academic qualifications for the three cadres are as follows:
Superintendent Cadre: A university degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) along with an NYSC discharge or exemption certificate.
Inspectorate Cadre: A National Diploma (ND) or Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) from an accredited institution.
Customs Assistant Cadre: At least an O’Level certificate (WAEC or NECO).
In addition to these qualifications, the NCS stressed that all applicants must be physically and mentally fit, providing evidence of medical fitness from a recognized government hospital.
Nigeria Customs Service begins 2025 recruitment [How to apply]
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Tinubu to critics: I won’t reduce my cabinet size
Tinubu to critics: I won’t reduce my cabinet size
President Bola Tinubu on Monday unequivocally responded to critics who described his cabinet as “bloated” by saying he is unprepared to reduce the size of his 48-man cabinet.
“I am not ready to shrink” the size of my cabinet, Tinubu said during a media chat at his Bourdillon residence in the highbrow Ikoyi area of Lagos State.
“I am not prepared to bring down the size of my cabinet,” the former Lagos governor said, arguing that “efficiency” has been at the core of his selection of ministers.
The president also said he has no regret removing the petrol subsidy in May 2023, saying Nigeria cannot continue to be Father Christmas to neighbouring countries.
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“I don’t have any regrets whatsoever in removing petrol subsidy. We are spending our future, we were just deceiving ourselves, that reform was necessary,” he told reporters.
Tinubu appointed 48 ministers in August 2023, three months after his inauguration. The Senate immediately screened and confirmed the ministers. One of the ministers, Betta Edu, was suspended in January while another, Simon Lalong, moved to the Senate.
There were calls for the President to reshuffle his cabinet as many Nigerians have not been impressed by the performance of some of the ministers, especially in the face of unprecedented inflation, excruciating economic situation and rising insecurity.
In October 2024, Tinubu re-assigned 10 ministers to new ministerial portfolios and appointed seven new ministers for Senate confirmation. He also sacked five of his ministers but critics insist that the President’s cabinet remains large, especially with the creation of a Livestock Ministry with a minister.
Tinubu to critics: I won’t reduce my cabinet size
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