Tertiary Institution Leaders Back Tinubu's Education Overhaul

Nigeria's Forum of Governing Councils of Tertiary Institutions has thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu's administration, pointing to what it characterizes as meaningful gains across the higher education landscape. During a Saturday press conference held in Abuja, forum chairman Chief Dr.

Akin Thoma Babajid detailed improvements spanning federal tertiary institutions, from enhanced facility upkeep and expanded research support to strengthened assistance for educators and learners. Two pivotal programs anchor the council's endorsement: NELFUND (the Nigerian Education Loan Fund) and expanded investment in campus infrastructure.

Babajid reported that NELFUND has extended assistance to 1.38 million students thus far, channeling roughly N243 billion toward tuition coverage and student living costs. The forum attributes these policy moves to reducing enrollment obstacles throughout Nigeria's tertiary system and frames them as components of the government's 'Renewed Hope' initiative.

As 2027 general elections approach, the governing councils have positioned their backing as encouragement for sustained pursuit of education sector transformation. Babajid emphasized that member councils overseeing institutions nationwide have recorded what they describe as noteworthy progress in how tertiary institutions are governed and how student support schemes operate since the administration's commencement.

While NELFUND's 1.38 million beneficiaries constitute a sizable share of Nigeria's tertiary learner base, the combined student population across universities, polytechnics, and teacher training colleges vastly exceeds this figure. The forum's position reflects support from institutional administrators but does not necessarily embody viewpoints maintained by student organizations, academic labor groups, or other voices within Nigeria's broader education community.