Student unions in Gombe State have pledged to vote massively for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, citing his significant contributions to education development, particularly the introduction of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). This commitment was made by Mr. Abubakar Mohammed, President of the Students Representative Council at Gombe State University (GSU), during a news conference in Gombe. Mohammed emphasized that the NELFUND scheme has been instrumental in enabling indigent students to access higher quality education.
Mohammed highlighted that over 11,000 students from GSU have benefited from the NELFUND scheme since its inception. He described the initiative as the most impressive and impactful education intervention in recent times, addressing a major challenge that previously denied many students access to education due to financial constraints. The scheme has allowed students who had dropped out to return to school without fear of financing or funding issues.
The Gombe State Coordinator of the Arewa for Asiwaju (A4A), Mohammed, expressed that the NELFUND scheme has significantly impacted students in the state. He noted that the burden of paying school fees has been lifted off the shoulders of parents, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their lives. Mohammed emphasized that voting for Tinubu's re-election is a way for students to show appreciation for his efforts in prioritizing education and students' welfare.
Mohammed revealed that a massive mobilisation effort for Tinubu's re-election is ongoing in the North-East region. He stressed that anyone opposing the NELFUND scheme does not care about students or their education. According to Mohammed, the opposition has shown that they do not prioritize the welfare of youths or Nigerian students, making it essential for students to support Tinubu's re-election.
The Students Representative Council president urged governments at all levels to sustain investments in education, skills development, and youth empowerment. He emphasized that the strength of Nigeria's next generation would determine the nation's overall strength. Mohammed encouraged students to continue supporting leaders who prioritize their welfare and education.
Mohammed's call for sustained support for Tinubu's administration is rooted in the positive impact of the NELFUND scheme on students in Gombe State. He believes that continued support for the president will ensure that many students remain in school, reducing the likelihood of dropouts. This, he argues, is crucial for the development of the North-East region and Nigeria as a whole.
The pledge by Gombe State students to vote for Tinubu's re-election underscores the significance of education in the 2027 presidential election. It highlights the importance of initiatives like NELFUND in shaping the future of Nigerian students and the country. As the election approaches, the role of student unions and youth organizations in mobilizing support for candidates who prioritize education and youth welfare is likely to gain prominence.
Key points
- Student unions in Gombe State pledge to vote for President Bola Tinubu's re-election due to his contributions to education development.
- Over 11,000 GSU students have benefited from the NELFUND scheme since its inception.
- Mohammed urges sustained investments in education, skills development, and youth empowerment for Nigeria's future growth.
