By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comr. Olushola Oladoja, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its educational policies and the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). He made the remarks during the association’s 87th National Meeting held at Yobe State University, Damaturu.
Oladoja disclosed that over five million students have so far benefited from the NELFUND loan scheme, a zero-interest initiative designed to reduce school dropout rates.
“The process is seamless. Students apply using a valid matriculation number, their institutions verify their status, and once confirmed, the loan is approved. Repayment begins only after graduation and securing employment. If a beneficiary does not get a job within two years, they can extend the repayment period by signing an affidavit,” he explained.
The NANS President also noted that, for the first time since the return of democracy in 1999, Nigerian universities have enjoyed two consecutive years of uninterrupted academic sessions without strikes.
“This historic achievement is a testament to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to education,” he added.
He recalled that preliminary reports once suggested the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) was considering a strike over delayed salary payments. However, swift government intervention—through engagements with the Accountant General’s Office and the Ministry of Finance—resolved the matter, ensuring prompt payment and averting the strike.
Oladoja further highlighted challenges related to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) validity period, stressing that the issue arises from limited university capacity.
“During my time on the JAMB policy committee, we emphasized that universities should not admit more students than they can accommodate. Despite cutoff marks for universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, the demand for university admission far exceeds supply,” he stated.
He lauded President Tinubu’s significant budgetary allocation to education, particularly for completing abandoned projects and upgrading infrastructure.
“No previous administration has engaged with NANS as frequently. We have met with President Tinubu six times in just two years. His open-door policy for students shows his belief that these policies are real investments in Nigeria’s future,” Oladoja said.
According to him, under the current administration, Nigerian students have access to loans, strike actions have been curtailed, and funding for education has reached historic levels.
“Truly, Nigerian students have never had it this good,” he concluded.
