Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Renewed Hope Project 2027, has urged Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's bid for a second term in office. Jibrin made the call in Abuja during a One-Million-Student Solidarity Walk organised in support of the President. The event, which began at Unity Fountain and ended at Eagle Square, attracted students and youth groups who expressed support for the Tinubu administration and its policies.
Jibrin highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a significant intervention to expand access to higher education and support students. He described it as a soft, interest-free loan for tuition and living allowances, noting that it was the first time any government had implemented such a policy. The initiative aims to address the issue of out-of-school children, with Jibrin stating that many students drop out due to financial constraints.
The Renewed Hope Project 2027, in collaboration with the 'Tinubu Again' movement, organised the solidarity walk to demonstrate support for the President's policies and programmes. The group's National Patron, Alhaji Ahmed Mahmoud Mubi, announced that their voting target had been increased to 12 million votes nationwide for President Tinubu in 2027, citing surging interest among young Nigerians.
The Managing Director of NELFUND, Dr. Akintunde Sawyerr, disclosed that as of September 2026, the fund had processed about 1.66 million student-loan applications and disbursed ₦355.87 billion since opening its application portal in May 2024. He broke down the expenditure, stating that over ₦192.89 billion was paid as institutional fees directly to 319 tertiary institutions, while ₦162.98 billion was disbursed directly to students.
Jibrin emphasised that continuity was critical to sustaining the gains recorded so far, urging Nigerians to consolidate the ongoing reforms across the country. He asserted that it would be a "colossal mistake" if Nigerians did not give President Tinubu another opportunity to govern for the next four years. The retired senior officer called on supporters and civic groups to intensify grassroots mobilisation across communities.
The event provided a platform for stakeholders to engage with government policies and programmes while actively participating in the democratic process. Jibrin urged students and young Nigerians to stay engaged, noting that their involvement was crucial in shaping the country's future. The solidarity walk demonstrated the growing support for President Tinubu's administration, particularly among young Nigerians.
The education reforms and initiatives implemented by the Tinubu administration have had a significant impact on the country's education sector. With the NELFUND scheme and other federal educational interventions, the administration aims to increase access to education and support students. As Nigerians prepare for the 2027 presidential election, the Renewed Hope Project 2027 and other groups will continue to mobilise support for President Tinubu's re-election bid.
Key points
- Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin urges Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's bid for a second term, citing education reforms and initiatives like the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.
