The National Association of Nigerian Students has launched a new initiative, the Constituency Scholarship and Talent Development Scheme, aimed at expanding access to education, mentorship, and international exposure for Nigerian students.

In a statement made available to journalists in Lokoja on Monday, the association said the programme would provide scholarships and talent development opportunities through strategic partnerships with members of the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.

Speaking on the initiative, NANS President, Babatunde Akinteye, popularly known as Babtee, described the scheme as a significant step towards bridging the gap between Nigerian students and access to quality education and global opportunities.

According to him, the programme goes beyond awarding scholarships, as it is designed to create sustainable pathways for academic and career advancement.

“This initiative is a major step forward in ensuring that Nigerian students are not limited by geography or financial constraints. It is not just about awarding scholarships, but about creating pathways for long-term academic and career success,” Akinteye said.

He explained that the scheme would enable lawmakers to channel constituency resources into transparent and structured educational support systems that directly benefit students.

Also speaking, the Director of International Projects and Partnerships, Comrade Abraham Adewoye, said the programme would leverage partnerships across the United Kingdom, the United States and Europe to connect Nigerian students with the global academic community.

“What we are building is a bridge between Nigerian students and the global academic community. Through this programme, beneficiaries will gain exposure to international standards, networks and opportunities that prepare them for the future,” Adewoye stated.

He assured students that the initiative would cover all constituencies across the country, stressing that no region would be excluded from the programme.

“This opportunity is designed to touch every constituency in Nigeria. We are committed to ensuring that students from all parts of the country benefit from this programme,” he added.

Adewoye further assured stakeholders that the programme would be managed with transparency, accountability, and measurable impact across participating constituencies.

According to NANS, the CSTDS will focus on three major areas: scholarship support for students across constituencies, international academic exposure programmes, and mentorship and skills development initiatives.

The association disclosed that each participating constituency would be expected to support between 20 and 30 students annually, while at least 10 beneficiaries would have access to international exposure programmes.

NANS also called on senators, members of the House of Representatives, and state lawmakers to adopt the initiative as part of their constituency development programmes.

The association noted that the scheme aligns with existing funding mechanisms, including constituency project allocations, education intervention funds, and youth empowerment budgets.

NANS, the umbrella body representing more than 50 million Nigerian students in tertiary institutions within the country and in the diaspora, said the initiative underscores its commitment to promoting student welfare and advancing educational development. (PUNCH)

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