Presidency Encourages Student Leaders On Nation-building

The Presidency has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu believes in the power, resilience, and creativity of the Nigerian students and urged student union leaders to be responsible partners in nation-building.

The senior special advisers to the President on Students Engagement, Hon. Sunday Asefon spoke at the Renewed Hope Student Leaders Engagement in Kebbi State, where he reaffirmed commitment of President Tinubu to welfare of students and improvement in quality of education in the country.

The meeting brought together student leaders across the seven states of the North West namely; Jigawa State, Kaduna State, Kano State, Katsina State, Kebbi State, Sokoto State, and Zamfara State.

Asefon noted that the gathering was not just another meeting but a platform carefully designed to bring government closer to the students and youths of Nigeria.

He emphasised that under the visionary leadership of President Tinubu the administration remains committed to ensuring that the programmes and policies in the education and youth sector are not only created in Abuja, but are well disseminated and brought directly to the grassroots where they matter most, the campuses, lecture halls, and communities where Nigerian students live and thrive.

One of such bold and transformative initiatives rolled out by Tinubu administration is the launch of Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to make education accessible and affordable to all Nigerians irrespective of background.

As of 21st August 2025, over N92 billion has been disbursed both for students upkeep and institutional fees for the beneficiary students. While the institutional fees paid is over N51 billion, upkeep allowance disbursed is over N41 billion.

“Mr. President believes in the power, resilience, and creativity of the Nigerian students, and it is our duty to justify that confidence by being responsible partners in nation-building.

“This engagement provides us the rare opportunity to sit with the heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education and the Federal Ministry of Youth, who will share firsthand the various initiatives of government, the opportunities within their industries, and the pathways available for students to benefit from the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“By bringing together student leaders across the seven states of the North West, we are not only amplifying the vision of Mr. President but also ensuring that Nigerian students have a seat at the table of national development.

“This is a step towards bridging the gap between policy and impact, between government and the governed, and between aspiration and opportunity,” Asefon stated.

The presidential aide lauded the governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris for his unwavering commitment to education, youth development, and access to host the programme in his state.

He particularly applauded the state government for massive investment in education, saying this “continues to serve as a model for others across the federation.”