By Tunji Ajibade
It is often said that those who stand too close to a mountain cannot fully appreciate its height. Similarly, some observers have yet to perceive the monumental strides President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made in the Nigerian education sector since assuming the mantle of leadership. The President himself recently remarked that if some remain “blind” to the performance of this administration, they should perhaps be assisted with a pair of JÍGÍ BỌLA (Bọla’s spectacles) to sharpen their vision.
The crown jewel of these reforms is the historic introduction of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). For decades, the dream of tertiary education remained an elusive luxury for many indigent students, stifled by the harsh realities of rising tuition and economic hardship. By institutionalizing a student loan system, President Tinubu has provided a vital lifeline, ensuring that no Nigerian child is denied an education based on the depth of their parents’ pockets.
This is not merely a policy on paper; it is a tool for social mobility. As noted by the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the current administration’s intervention in education is unprecedented. Many have argued that since the return to democracy in 1999, no government has shown this level of proactive commitment to funding the academic pursuits of the common man.
Beyond the financial interventions, the President’s greatest gift to the youth has been the restoration of stability. For years, the Nigerian university system was synonymous with “strike actions” and disrupted calendars, leading to a “brain drain” and a frustrated student population.
President Tinubu made a bold promise: that the academic calendar would no longer be disrupted. Today, we are witnessing the manifestation of that promise. The current peaceful atmosphere on our campuses is a testament to a leader who understands that time is the most precious resource a student has. By fostering a strike-free environment, this administration is ensuring that students graduate on time, ready to contribute to the national economy.
The “Jígí Bọla” perspective allows us to see these achievements for what they truly are: a foundation for a brighter future. A leader concerned with the next election focuses on temporary palliatives; a leader concerned with the next generation focuses on education.
By securing the financial future of students and the stability of their institutions, President Tinubu is proving to be a visionary architect of human capital development. We must give kudos where they are due—to a leader who is genuinely invested in the potential of the Nigerian youth.