The National Association of University Students (NAUS) has defended the humanitarian and empowerment programmes of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, saying her interventions in education, healthcare and economic empowerment should be judged on their impact rather than the controversy surrounding her comments on local food options.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, the incoming President of NAUS, Comrade Tiamiyu Olayinka Ibraheem, commended the First Lady’s contributions to national development, particularly her support for tuberculosis control, education, women and youth empowerment, as well as assistance to small and medium-scale enterprises.

The association said the interventions had helped reduce poverty and improve the livelihoods of many vulnerable Nigerians.

The endorsement comes months after Senator Tinubu’s remarks encouraging Nigerians to embrace locally available foods such as akara and kwilikwili as affordable alternatives during the country’s economic hardship sparked widespread public debate.

While critics argued that the comments did not reflect the realities of soaring food prices, supporters maintained that the First Lady was advocating the consumption of locally produced foods and promoting self-reliance. NAUS said the public discourse should not overshadow the tangible impact of her humanitarian initiatives.

The association also applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for reforms in the education sector, particularly the introduction of the student loan scheme, which it described as a landmark policy that has expanded access to tertiary education and boosted enrolment across higher institutions.

“We have consistently advocated increased funding for education, and the student loan programme aligns with that objective. This policy reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to removing financial barriers preventing many Nigerians from pursuing higher education, and we are grateful,” Ibraheem said.

NAUS further commended the Federal Government for redirecting funds previously spent on fuel subsidies to infrastructure development and education, saying the policy had accelerated the delivery of critical projects across the country.

Despite the commendation, the association expressed concern over the persistent insecurity across Nigeria, particularly the increasing cases of kidnapping and banditry.

It described the abduction and continued captivity of schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State as “a national embarrassment” and urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of all abducted victims.

“The unfortunate abduction and continued captivity of schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State saddens our hearts. It is, indeed, a national embarrassment and a troubling situation,” the association stated.

NAUS maintained that while it would continue to support government policies that improve education and citizens’ welfare, it remained opposed to any policy granting amnesty to bandits and terrorists.

The association warned that integrating former criminal elements into the nation’s security architecture could undermine national security and embolden criminal activities, urging the government to prioritise justice, accountability and effective security reforms.