Former presidential spokesman and Arise News anchor, Reuben Abati, has criticized the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) for inspecting road projects across the country. In a recent interview on Arise Television's Morning Show, Abati described the NANS road tour as 'curious'. He expressed concern that students were engaging in activities typically reserved for government officials or experts. Abati emphasized that students should prioritize their studies over such endeavors.
The NANS delegation, led by its President, Comrade Babatunde Akinteye Afeez, embarked on a nationwide Federal Roads Project Tour, inspecting projects in parts of the North-West and other areas of the country. During their inspection, the students commended the quality, durability, and pace of construction on the projects visited. They also identified areas requiring additional attention, particularly pedestrian bridges around tertiary institutions where major highways intersect with campus access routes.
The NANS road tour involved inspecting projects in Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, and Sokoto State, covering the entire North-West region. The students independently requested access to project sites across the six geopolitical zones, declining the Ministry of Works' offer of logistical assistance. This allowed them to form their own assessment of the projects. The report from the tour was subsequently presented to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi.
Minister Umahi received the report from NANS and expressed his admiration for the students' initiative. He noted that their independent efforts demonstrated a keen interest in the country's infrastructure development. The Minister's positive reception of the report suggests that the government values the input of citizens, even students, in evaluating public projects.
Reuben Abati, however, disagrees with the notion that students should be involved in inspecting road projects. He reminisced about his own time as a student, when academic pursuits were the primary focus. Abati questioned the rationale behind students taking on responsibilities typically assigned to government officials or experts. His comments have sparked a debate about the role of students in monitoring public projects.
The NANS road tour and Abati's criticism have raised important questions about the involvement of students in infrastructure development. While some may argue that students can provide valuable insights, others believe that their primary focus should be on academic studies. The incident highlights the complexities of citizen engagement in public project evaluation and the need for clear guidelines on participation.
The intersection of student activities and government projects has sparked a necessary conversation about the role of citizens in governance. As the government continues to implement infrastructure projects, the input of citizens, including students, may become increasingly important. However, it remains to be seen how this involvement will be structured and what implications it will have for the country's development.
Key points
- Reuben Abati criticizes NANS for inspecting road projects, saying students should focus on studies.
- NANS inspected road projects across the North-West region, commending quality and identifying areas for improvement.
- The incident raises questions about citizen engagement in public project evaluation and the role of students in governance.
