The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has urged the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to mobilise 10 million votes for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.
Alausa made the call on Thursday in Abuja during a meeting with NANS leaders and other student representatives.
The minister said the appeal was based on the Federal Government’s interventions in the education sector, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), technical and vocational education, student accommodation and other programmes aimed at improving students’ welfare.
He said the administration’s investments were intended to create better opportunities for young Nigerians, adding that millions of students had benefited from NELFUND.
Alausa also highlighted investments in student accommodation, TVET infrastructure and campus development, while outlining plans to improve transportation and electricity supply in tertiary institutions.
He further mentioned the Student Venture Capital Grant, which he said was designed to help students turn innovative ideas into businesses.
The minister urged student leaders to support the administration and mobilise their members ahead of the 2027 election.
NANS, while acknowledging some of the government’s education initiatives, raised concerns about federal scholarships, illegal admissions and accreditation challenges in some institutions.
The student body called for stronger action to prevent students from enrolling in programmes that lack proper accreditation.
Alausa assured the students that the ministry was working to address the concerns and would continue engaging student leaders on issues affecting tertiary education.
The meeting comes amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with students emerging as a key constituency in the battle for youth support.
