By Mu'azu Abubakar Albarkawa The Zonal Coordinator of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone A (North-We...
By Mu'azu Abubakar Albarkawa
The Zonal Coordinator of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone A (North-West), Comrade Umar Sulaiman Doko, has urged student leaders across the country to embrace selfless service, sacrifice and purposeful leadership in promoting the welfare and interests of Nigerian students.
Comrade Doko made the call during the celebration of NANCES Day 2026, organised by the Kaduna State Chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Colleges of Education Students (NANCES) at the Kaduna State College of Education, Gidan Waya. The event was held under the theme, "From Certificate to Relevance."
The programme attracted government officials, traditional rulers, management of the college and student leaders from across Kaduna State.
The Provost of Kaduna State College of Education, Gidan Waya, Dr. A. A. Aku, was represented by the Deputy Provost (Administration), Dr. Grace Jummai Tabat. Other members of the institution's management in attendance included the Deputy Provost (Academic), the Registrar, the College Librarian, the Dean of Faculties and the Dean of Students' Affairs.
Also present were the Commissioner for Youth Development, represented by Mainasara Benson, the Chairman of Jema'a Local Government, represented by Paul Timothy Dogara, and the Royal Father of the Day, HRH Dr. Rev. Habila Saidu, Chief of Godogodo Chiefdom.
In his remarks, Comrade Umar Sulaiman Doko congratulated the outgoing Chairman of the NANCES Caretaker Management Committee (CMC), Kaduna Axis, Comrade Ishaya Ezra, for what he described as a successful tenure marked by dedication and commitment to students' welfare.
He advised aspiring student leaders to understand that leadership demands sacrifice, integrity and commitment rather than personal gain. According to him, true leadership is measured by service to others and the positive impact made on society.
The NANS Zone A Coordinator also highlighted some of the achievements recorded by the association, including advocacy visits to Zamfara State following the abduction of students of Kaura Namoda Polytechnic, as well as engagements in Kano and Sokoto aimed at protecting the rights and welfare of students.
Speaking on the theme of the event, the Provost's representative, Dr. Grace Jummai Tabat, stressed that academic certificates alone are no longer enough to guarantee success in today's competitive world.
She encouraged students to acquire practical skills, embrace innovation and develop entrepreneurial abilities that would make them productive and relevant after graduation.
Quoting renowned futurist Alvin Toffler, she reminded participants that "the illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn."
Also speaking, the Royal Father of the Day, HRH Dr. Rev. Habila Saidu, explained that while educational certificates may create opportunities, relevance is sustained through competence, innovation and continuous learning.
He urged students to equip themselves with digital and entrepreneurial skills, remain committed to community service and prepare adequately for the realities of the modern labour market.
The monarch summed up his address by stating that, "NCE is a licence; relevance is the key."
The event was also attended by the Special Assistant to the NANS National President on Colleges of Education, Comrade Teejay Sam Olatunji, alongside other student leaders and stakeholders from across the state.
The NANS Zone A leadership commended the Kaduna State Chapter of NANCES for organising what it described as a timely and impactful programme aimed at encouraging students to pursue academic excellence while remaining innovative, relevant and committed to responsible leadership.
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