Students benefiting from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund in Anambra State have contributed a total of ₦10.7 million in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anticipated 2027 presidential ambition, describing the gesture as an appreciation for policies they say have transformed access to higher education for thousands of young Nigerians.
The students made the donation during a gathering held at the Igbariam campus of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, where leaders of student bodies, youth groups and beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s student loan scheme assembled to publicly endorse the President for a second term in office.
The event attracted students from various tertiary institutions across Anambra State and featured speeches highlighting the impact of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, popularly known as NELFUND, on students struggling with tuition payments and academic expenses.
Addressing participants at the programme, Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students Joint Campus Council in Anambra State, Ifeanyichukwu Chukwuemeka, said the contribution reflected the gratitude of students who had directly benefited from the Tinubu administration’s education policies.
According to him, many students who were previously at risk of dropping out due to financial difficulties have now been able to continue their education through the support provided by the loan scheme.
He explained that the ₦10,735,500 donation was specifically raised to support the purchase of President Tinubu’s expression of interest form ahead of the 2027 presidential election, adding that the initiative was entirely driven by students and youth supporters.
Chukwuemeka said the intervention introduced through NELFUND had restored hope to many families facing economic hardship and had given students a renewed sense of confidence about completing their academic programmes.
He noted that access to higher education had remained a major challenge for many Nigerian youths due to rising tuition costs, accommodation expenses and inflation, but maintained that the introduction of the student loan initiative had helped ease the burden on parents and guardians.
The student leader stated that the administration’s commitment to education was beginning to yield visible results across institutions, especially among students from low income backgrounds who previously had limited opportunities to pursue tertiary education.
He further said the endorsement was not merely political but a reflection of the students’ belief that continuity in governance would help sustain policies targeted at youth empowerment, educational access and economic inclusion.
The students also used the occasion to commend Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, for his support toward educational development and youth related initiatives within the state.
According to speakers at the event, collaboration between student groups and government institutions had strengthened advocacy for better learning conditions and increased youth participation in governance.
Businessman and philanthropist Obinna Iyiegbu was equally recognised during the programme for his contributions to youth empowerment and community development initiatives in the South East.
Organisers of the gathering praised Obi Cubana for consistently supporting programmes designed to encourage entrepreneurship, youth engagement and social development among young Nigerians.
Also acknowledged at the event were the State Women Leader of the City Boys Movement, Adaora Soludo, and the group’s State Coordinator, Nonso Ozoemena, for their roles in mobilising suport for youth centred programmes in the state.
Several student union leaders from tertiary institutions across Anambra attended the programme alongside youth coordinators and political stakeholders from different parts of the state.
Former Special Assistant to Governor Soludo on Student Matters, Okoye Mathew, was among dignitaries present at the event and commended the students for what he described as constructive political participation and civic engagement.
Observers say the development reflects growing political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections as support groups, youth organisations and political actors across the country begin early consultations and endorsements.
The Tinubu administration has in recent months intensified efforts to promote its economic and social intervention programmes, including student focused initiatives aimed at improving educational access and reducing the financial pressure on Nigerian households.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund was introduced as part of broader reforms intended to expand opportunities for students seeking tertiary education. Supporters of the scheme argue that it represents one of the most significant education financing interventions introduced in recent years.
Since its rollout, students across different states have continued to apply for financial assistance through the programme, with government officials insisting that the initiative is designed to ensure that no qualified Nigerian student is denied higher education because of financial limitations.
Political analysts believe endorsements such as the one witnessed in Anambra may become more frequent as political alignments gradually begin to take shape ahead of the next presidential election cycle.
While the Independent National Electoral Commission has not officially opened activities for the 2027 elections, political conversations and strategic consultations among parties and support groups have continued to gather momentum across the country.
