The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has called for increased budgetary allocation to the education sector.

The National President of the association, Lucky Emonefe emphasized the need for enhanced funding for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to improve the quality and accessibility of education in the country.

Emonefe made this appeal during the Youth Town Hall on the 2025 Budget, organized by the House of Representatives, held in Abuja on Monday.

He highlighted the critical role of education in national development, stating that adequate investment in the sector would empower young Nigerians with the skills and knowledge needed to drive economic growth and innovation.

Furthermore, the NANS President advocated increased funding for the Ministry of Youth Development to address the pressing challenges faced by young people in Nigeria.

He said prioritizing youth development in the budget would enhance the productivity and potential of Nigeria’s growing youth population.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Abbas Tajudeen while declaring the event open, highlighted the importance of youth-based budgeting, which allocates resources to initiatives like technology hubs, skills training, and mental health services.

He noted that countries adopting this approach have seen improved socio-economic conditions and increased youth participation in governance, urging Nigeria to aim for similar outcomes.

He also encouraged the youth to speak boldly about their demands for the 2025 budget, emphasizing the need for prioritization despite resource constraints.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, assured that the 2025 budget, with support from the 10th House of Representatives, would mark a turning point for Nigerian youth.

He stressed that after decades of neglect, the current administration is committed to creating an enabling environment for growth and development, urging the youth to focus on initiatives that foster opportunity and progress.