Nigerian students on Thursday staged a solidarity rally in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commend his administration’s achievements in the education sector.
The rally, tagged “Adupe Mr. President,” a Yoruba phrase meaning “Thank you, Mr. President,” was organised by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS). It coincided with the celebration of Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
Hundreds of students marched through the streets of the Federal Capital Territory, carrying banners and chanting songs in praise of Tinubu’s leadership. Organisers described the event as a solidarity movement, not a protest.
NANS President, Comrade Olusola Ladoja, said the rally was to appreciate the administration for reforms in the education sector, particularly the introduction of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NETFUND).
“This rally is in solidarity with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Ladoja stated. “First, to congratulate him on his two-year anniversary and to thank him for doing wonderfully well. One of the major milestones is the establishment of NETFUND.
“With this, there is no need to drop out of school. All you need to do is go and apply for the loan. If you are a Nigerian with a matriculation number, I can assure you, you will get this loan to pay your school fees. They are also giving monthly stipends for upkeep.”
He also noted improvements in the stability of tertiary education, citing the absence of strikes.
“In the history of our democracy, this is the first time there has been no interruption in our educational sector. I’m talking about the usual ASUU strike. Now, if you are going to school as a Nigerian student, you know your four-year course is four years. Some of us, during our undergraduate days, spent six years studying a four-year course. But now, that has been eradicated. Also, the President has put huge funds into the educational budget, this is why we deemed it fit to come and thank him.”
NAPS President, Comrade Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, described the president’s educational reforms as a lifeline, especially for students in technical and vocational institutions.
“The President has created an avenue for students to go to school. Today, students have no reason to drop out of school due to lack of sponsors,” Oghayan said.
“He recently approved ₦45,000 for technical students, free tuition fees, and welfare packages for Nigerian students. This is a great investment that the President has done. We are very proud of him, that is why we are gathered here today to say thank you. Adupe, Mu go de, Mr. President.”
Oghayan also commended the administration’s efforts to improve national security, saying it was essential for educational progress.
“Let me appreciate him for the work he is doing in terms of security in our country, because without the safety of the citizens, it will be a threat to education. I also thank Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, for his calm, intelligent work underground to curb the insecurity ravaging the nation today.”
He further praised the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu, for his role in youth engagement. “Let me also use this medium to appreciate the living bridge between the youth, the students, and the government, Seyi Tinubu,” he said.
While expressing their gratitude, the student leaders also made demands for reforms in the polytechnic sector.
“First, we want the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), which oversees the polytechnics, OND, HND, and related degrees in Nigeria, to be converted to the National Commission for Technical Education. We deserve a commission, not a board,” Oghayan said.
“Secondly, we want an upgrade in status — the conversion of the Higher National Diploma (HND) to the Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech). This recognition is long overdue and crucial for our students’ future,” he added.
Addressing the gathering, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagements, Asefon Sunday, described the turnout as a surprise and hailed the students as “heroes of June 12.”
“This is a surprise to me and the Honourable Minister of Education,” Asefon said. “I got a call yesterday that the students are planning to take the streets of Abuja in solidarity, appreciating the impactful leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Some security agencies were calling, thinking it was those who always protest against the good governance of the president. Then I called someone, and they said the march had started, that’s why I am here.
“So it is a solidarity rally by the students for their father, who is the President and father of the nation. As an SSA to the President, I believe it is the right of the students to attest to what the President has done so far. What I want to say to them is that Mr. President appreciates your patience, your resilience, and support at all times. I also want to assure you that my office will always be open for your yearnings and demands. I want to say that you are the heroes of June 12.”