The National Senate President of the National Association of Delta State Students (NADESSTU), Senator Idieseri Alex, has urged student leaders across Nigeria to rise above disillusionment and actively engage in tackling the complex challenges facing the nation’s education sector.

Speaking at a National Senate Sitting held at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), near Warri, Delta State, Sen. Alex addressed student senators, executives, and stakeholders on the state of the nation, calling for deeper reflection on the current socioeconomic realities and their direct impact on students.

“Our nation is currently navigating complex challenges—economic instability, insecurity, rising cost of living, declining educational standards, and growing distrust in governance,” he stated.

Sen. Alex expressed concern over the growing economic hardship faced by students, stressing that the escalating cost of basic needs such as textbooks, accommodation, and food is making education increasingly unaffordable.

He noted, “The recent subsidy removals and currency reforms have had both intended and unintended consequences. While we acknowledge the need for reforms, we must advocate for student-focused safety nets and targeted interventions.”

The Senate President decried the persistent underfunding of the education sector, decaying infrastructure, and frequent strikes, warning that these issues threaten Nigeria’s future.

“Nigeria cannot develop while its students are idle or unmotivated,” he said.

Addressing the issue of security, Sen. Alex highlighted the widespread insecurity affecting many parts of the country, including educational institutions.

He cited kidnappings, cult clashes, insurgency, and regional unrest as major concerns and called on security agencies to step up efforts to safeguard students and campuses.

“Security is a fundamental right. We need safer learning environments for our students to thrive,” he emphasized.

Despite the grim realities, the NADESSTU leader urged students not to succumb to despair but to drive change through innovation, patriotism, and constructive activism.

“If Nigeria is broken, then we must be part of those committed to fixing it. It is not enough to criticize—we must organize, educate, and engage,” Sen. Alex concluded.