By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
A group of beneficiaries of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) in Anambra State has reportedly contributed more than N10 million in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, describing the gesture as an appreciation for the federal government’s student loan initiative.
The students, under the aegis of NELFUND beneficiaries and student leaders in the state, were said to have raised a total sum of N10,735,500 toward the purchase of President Tinubu’s expression of interest form for a second term in office.
The development, which has generated reactions within political and educational circles, was first reported by Nigerian Tribune.
According to the report, the students said the contribution was voluntary and intended to appreciate the educational support being provided by the current administration through the NELFUND scheme.
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One of the student representatives quoted in the report said the Tinubu administration had given hope to many indigent students across the country through access to interest-free education loans, thereby reducing the financial burden on parents and guardians.
The students also reportedly endorsed the president for a second term, arguing that continuity in leadership would help sustain ongoing educational reforms and youth empowerment initiatives introduced by the federal government.
NELFUND, introduced under the Student Loans Act signed into law by President Tinubu, was established to provide accessible loans to qualified Nigerian students in tertiary institutions. Since its launch, thousands of students across the country have reportedly benefited from the scheme.
The Merit Newspaper reports that the reported fundraising effort has, however, sparked conversations on social media, with some Nigerians commending the students for showing appreciation, while others questioned the propriety of linking beneficiaries of a government-backed education support scheme to political fundraising activities.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the management of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund confirming any involvement in the donation drive.
Political observers believe the development may further intensify early political alignments and endorsements ahead of the 2027 general elections, as parties and interest groups continue to mobilise support across different regions of the country.
President Tinubu, elected in 2023 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, has repeatedly defended his administration’s economic and educational reforms, insisting that the policies are aimed at creating long-term national development opportunities despite prevailing economic challenges.
