NANS Advocates for Energy Self-Sufficiency to Boost Education Sector

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Government to prioritize the repair of the nation’s refineries to end fuel importation, highlighting the potential benefits for the education sector.

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NANS Senate President, Elvis Ekundina, in a statement, emphasized that the current reliance on fuel importation under President Bola Tinubu’s administration is not only straining the economy and exacerbating the forex crisis, but also diverting resources that could be invested in the education sector.

Ekundina urged the government to direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited to repair the country’s faulty refineries. He argued that achieving self-sufficiency in oil production could free up significant resources for investment in education and other critical sectors.

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He further stated that the current energy crisis, marked by a severe shortage of petrol in the Nigerian market, could be addressed by not only repairing the refineries but also ensuring they operate at maximum capacity. This, he said, would have a positive ripple effect on the economy, including the education sector.

The NANS Senate President expressed confidence that if the refineries are fully operational, Nigeria’s issues with fuel insufficiency and pricing would be resolved. This would stabilize the economy, strengthen the naira, and potentially provide more funds for education.

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He concluded by saying, “Having our refineries fully working alongside the Dangote refinery will make Nigeria a net exporter of refined petroleum products. This will stabilize fuel prices and could provide an economic boost that would benefit all sectors, including education.”