By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has provided palliative support to Student Union Government (SUG) Presidents across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), reinforcing his administration’s commitment to student welfare.
The distribution, which took place in Abuja, was coordinated by the Special Adviser to the President on Students Engagement, Asefon Sunday.
Asefon explained the initiative aligns with the President’s ongoing efforts to support students and their communities.
He noted that a similar gesture took place in December 2024 when student leaders received palliatives during the festive season.
Asefon explained that the rice initially intended for distribution in December arrived late in Abuja on December 28.
To ensure transparency, representatives from each geopolitical zone were invited to Abuja to collect and oversee the distribution. Two SUG Presidents from each zone were selected to manage the process effectively.
“This is unprecedented. For the first time in Nigeria’s history, a sitting President is directly reaching out to student leaders during the festive season,” Asefon added.
The Special Adviser also assured students of continued support from the administration in the coming year, urging them to actively engage with the government.
“This is a time for Nigerian youth and students to reflect and voice their views. The impact of this administration is being felt by students across the nation,” he said.
Fahad Abdullahi, SUG President of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, expressed gratitude on behalf of his colleagues.
“This gesture from President Tinubu is commendable. From the Nigerian Education Loan Fund to this rice distribution initiative, it is clear that this administration prioritizes the welfare of students,” Abdullahi remarked.