The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS) have applauded Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State for his substantial investment in education and student welfare.

In a show of gratitude, students gathered at the Government House on Monday to acknowledge the administration's efforts, particularly its prompt payment of bursaries and other support initiatives, even after the removal of fuel subsidies.

NANS President, Comrade Issa Abdulgafar Arikewuyo, described Governor AbdulRazaq as a democratic leader deeply committed to the advancement of education and the well-being of students in the state.

Governor AbdulRazaq, in response, reaffirmed his administration's dedication to empowering students and improving the education sector.

"To whom much is given, much is expected. We will be ungrateful if we cannot come en masse today to show to the world that the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum is a student-friendly personality,” he said.

“We have an action Governor in the person of AbdulRazaq who loves to appreciate and celebrate humanity, and who has turned students to the people of value."

He lauded the Governor “for the establishment of Kwara State University of Education, for provision of solar lights system to Kwara state University Malete, and for provision of 250 ICT infrastructure to the students of College of Aviation Ilorin, among other interventions".

President of NAKSS Comrade Abdulwahab Habibullahi, for his part, listed the provision of scholarships for law students, and provision of bus for the leadership of students' union, as well as provision of free bus ride for students, among others, as some of the benefits they enjoyed from the government.

"Today is a remarkable day in the history of students in Kwara State. We are here today to appreciate His Excellency for all the unwavering support and commitment he has been showing to students' leadership in the state,” he said.

Governor AbdulRazaq, in his response, commended the students for the visit and called for continuous productive engagements with the administration.

The Governor pledged to continue to accommodate the students in the empowerment programme of his administration towards achieving their dreams.

“I must say that your leadership engagement with the government has been fruitful to the state. It will continue to elicit a lot of positive responses from the government in order to support your activities and for betterment of the student bodies,” he said.

“On our part, we will also make sure that the students are accommodated in our programmes to make life easy for them. We will continue to engage with your leadership. So don't feel shy to put up proposals to us.”

He also commended the Special Assistant on Students Affairs Wasiu Onidugbe for being proactive and working for the public good.

Onidugbe said the visit was part of activities lined up to commemorate their Annual Unity and Harmony Week, which he said was introduced to foster oneness and togetherness among the students.

“This year, the students deemed it fit to pay Your Excellency a special visit. This is to celebrate and appreciate you because you have been taking good care of their welfare. This is also to enlighten the public on the good things you have done in the education sector,” he said.

The Governor received the students alongside some cabinet members, including the Chief of Staff Prince AbdulKadir Mahe.