National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has declared its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 general elections, announcing plans to mobilise 10 million votes across the country in support of the President.
The declaration was made on Wednesday by the National President of NANS, Comrade Akinteye Afeez, during a meeting between national student leaders and Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House, Abuja.
Afeez said the association’s decision was based on what it described as the Tinubu administration’s achievements, particularly in the education sector, where policies such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) have provided financial relief to students.
According to him, NANS has already constituted a National Election Mobilisation Committee with the responsibility of coordinating support for the President in all six geopolitical zones ahead of the 2027 polls.
“As we approach another defining period in our nation’s history, we consider it necessary to state clearly where we stand as Nigerian students. As core progressives, we identify with the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Being the largest constituency with the highest voting bloc, we have constituted the NANS National Election Mobilisation Committee with the mandate to mobilise 10 million votes across the six geopolitical zones, and, like never before, we will speak in one voice, aloud, at the polls,” Afeez said.
The NANS President said the association’s endorsement was driven by government policies that have positively affected students, especially the introduction of NELFUND.
He said the student loan scheme has given hope to thousands of students who previously struggled to pay tuition and other educational expenses.
“Your Excellency, one of the policies of this administration that deserves serious consideration is the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND. For many years, financial hardship has forced many Nigerian students out of school.
“However, with NELFUND, our academic lives are no longer in doubt or threatened. Education has been made accessible to all. As NANS President, I believe we must defend the principle behind this initiative while ensuring its continuity and sustainability, giving this administration a second term through our voting strength,” he added.
Responding, Vice President Kashim Shettima thanked the student leaders for their engagement with the government and assured them that the Tinubu administration would continue to prioritise education and youth development.
He said the government was determined to build a more stable academic system by improving education financing, strengthening student welfare and sustaining dialogue with academic unions to reduce disruptions caused by strikes.
Shettima described NELFUND as one of the administration’s most significant education reforms, saying the programme has enabled many students to remain in school despite economic challenges facing families.
He also urged Nigerian students to see themselves as active participants in nation-building, stressing that they should not only be regarded as the leaders of tomorrow but as important stakeholders in shaping the country’s present.
The Vice President further encouraged student leaders to always engage government constructively, noting that sincere criticism and honest feedback are essential for good governance and national development.
Leaders of the National Association of University Students (NAUS), National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) and the National Association of Nigerian Colleges of Education Students (NANCES) were also present at the meeting.If you want, I can also produce a more controversial, higher-CTR editorial SEO version that is stronger for Google Discover and online readership.
