The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, has emphasised the need for Nigerian students to demonstrate patriotism and commitment towards the development and unity of the country.
Otuaro made the remarks in Abuja at the inaugural National Tech Summit with the theme; “Empowering Nigerian Students Through Tech”.
The National Association of University Students (NAUS), the National Association of Polytechnics Students (NAPS), and the National Association of Colleges of Education Students (NACES) organized the summit, which was sponsored by the Nigeria Customs Service.
Represented by his Special Assistant on Special Duties, Dinyain Tuebi, Otuaro noted that education and technological empowerment were critical pillars for national growth and development.
The Amnesty boss encouraged students across the country to realise that their dedication and hard work, among others, were the catalysts for the building of a secure, prosperous, peaceful, and technologically-driven nation.
He also urged the students to take leadership seriously and embody the values of integrity, service, and excellence while contributing meaningfully to nation building.
Otuaro noted that the students are the pillars upon which the future of Nigeria rests, adding that they must be conscious of their critical place in the nation’s existence.
He lauded the joint leaderships of the NAUS, NAPS, and NANCES for the summit, adding that the initiative showed their shared vision of using technology to advance their education and future careers.
He said: “This summit embodies the spirit of resilience, creativity, and determination that is synonymous with the Nigerian student. As you embark on this journey of exploration and learning, today, I encourage you to remain steadfast in your studies, patriotic in actions, and committed to the growth and unity of Nigeria.
“The future of our nation lies in your hands, and it is through your dedication and hard work that we will continue to build a prosperous, peaceful, and technologically advanced Nigeria.”
In his address, the President of NAUS, Marshal Obaji, explained that the summit was geared towards addressing the technological skills gap among Nigerian students and graduates.
He said the summit was also aimed at providing adequate mentorship for interested young minds in emerging tech fields, innovation, and networking opportunities.
Highlight of the summit was the conferment of ‘Icon of Community Development’ award by the Nigerian students at the event.
The PAP boss thanked the student bodies for the award, which he dedicated to President Bola Tinubu and other stakeholders “who have been working tirelessly to foster peace, stability, and development in our beloved nation.”
