NANS South-West Lauds Tunji-Ojo for Youth Empowerment, Passport System Overhaul

The National Association of Nigerian Students, South-West Zone D, has commended the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for reforms and interventions in immigration, correctional services and youth development.

In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Josiah Adeyemo, the student body said its assessment was based on what it described as measurable outcomes recorded since Tunji-Ojo assumed office on August 21, 2023.

NANS said the ministry’s reforms had addressed longstanding challenges and improved access to critical public services, particularly for students and young Nigerians seeking educational and career opportunities.

The association highlighted the clearance of more than 204,000 passport applications in approximately two and a half weeks, describing the development as significant for students travelling abroad for academic opportunities.

It also commended the introduction of contactless passport renewal, increased automation of immigration processes and deployment of electronic gates at international airports.

According to the students’ body, the measures had helped reduce bureaucracy and improve the efficiency of the immigration system while strengthening Nigeria’s border-management processes.

NANS South-West also praised Tunji-Ojo’s support for the Students to CEO 2.0 Entrepreneurship Summit organised by the NANS Joint Campus Committee, Ondo Axis.

The association said the initiative provided business equipment to 200 students drawn from 10 tertiary institutions, with 20 beneficiaries selected from each institution.

The beneficiaries received equipment including industrial sewing machines, deep freezers and power generators, which NANS said would help them develop entrepreneurial skills and establish income-generating ventures.

The student body further highlighted the minister’s intervention in the Nigerian Correctional Service, particularly the settlement of fines for more than 4,000 inmates who remained in custody because they could not afford relatively minor financial penalties.

NANS said the intervention helped decongest correctional facilities, reduce the financial burden associated with keeping inmates in custody and restore freedom to affected Nigerians.

The association said the reforms demonstrated an emphasis on technology, innovation and improved service delivery within the Ministry of Interior.

NANS South-West said the changes were particularly relevant to students and young professionals, who depend on efficient passport services and other government institutions to pursue education, employment and legitimate opportunities within and outside Nigeria.

The group expressed confidence that continued attention to youth empowerment and institutional reforms would further improve public services and create opportunities for young Nigerians.

It urged the government to sustain the reforms while strengthening systems that directly affect students, young entrepreneurs and other members of the public.