By ANDREW OJIEZEL
AS selected Nigerians are undergoing screening for one portfolio based on the ministerial list sent to the National Assembly, the National Association of Abia State Students (NAASS) has pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint student as his Special Assistant on Students’ Affairs. The group also clamoured for separation of office of the Special Assistant on Students’ Affairs from that of Youth Matters.
The students spoke through their national president, Okechukwu Kalu said since there is distinct body overseeing the affairs of the youth, as such, students should be given special attention.
“The apex youth body is the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) with several other affiliates, while the apex students’ body is National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS), which has other student bodies affiliated to it. The mandates of these bodies are clearly different. This is why President Buhari should separate the offices by appointing Special Assistant on Students’ Affairs, who will serve as a liaison officer between the president and students and whose task will differ from Special Assistant on Youth Matters.”
Okechukwu said president would understand the challenges and problems facing the students better if he separated the offices and appoint a student as his aide.
The Abia students hailed the president on the nomination of Dr. Okechukwu Enyinna, as minister from Abia State. They described Okechukwu’s nomination as well deserved, stressing he is a seasoned technocrat and professional who is qualified to serve the nation in era of change.