Student union leaders of tertiary institutions in Jigawa have reaffirmed their support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
The students, under the aegis of the Arewa for Asiwaju Students Wing (A4A), spoke at a news conference as part of activities marking the 66th Independence anniversary on Thursday in Dutse.
The event focused on showcasing the achievements of Mr Tinubu’s administration in education and human capital development.
Na’im Baffa, the Students Union president of the Federal University Dutse (FUD), and the A4A coordinator, said the group appreciated Mr Tinubu’s focus on education and human capital development.
Mr Baffa, who read a statement titled “Celebrating democracy, advancing education and investing in the future of Nigeria”, declared Mr Tinubu as “Mr Education”.
He said Nigerian students and young people appreciated the president’s bold steps to prioritise education and human capital development.
He highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) interventions and Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) matching grants.
Mr Baffa also cited the newly constructed classroom complex at Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic, Kazaure, delivered under TETFund’s 2024 Special High Impact Intervention.
Isa Ibrahim, former SUG President of the university and National Organising Secretary of the group, said students of higher institutions of learning appreciated Mr Tinubu’s educational interventions in the state.
“We are happy because we see the students willingly come, because they know and they feel what the government has been doing is very paramount to them,” he said.
Mr Ibrahim urged students to assess government interventions they experienced rather than being swayed by promises.
He attributed the uninterrupted academic calendar, with no strike, to Mr Tinubu’s passion for education development.
Mr Ibrahim, therefore, urged students to support Mr Tinubu’s return in 2027 to ensure the sustainability of viable education, health and other government initiatives.
Yusrah Ibrahim, a student, said they united behind Mr Tinubu despite differences in tribe, language and background.
“We, the Nigerian students, are here to tell him that we want him back again for the second term in office,” she said.
Another student, Sulaiman Usman, said they witnessed Mr Tinubu’s efforts on the student mandate.
“We saw what President Bola Tinubu did on the ground. We saw his tireless efforts on the student mandate.
“We are here to support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 re-election, Insha Allah,” he said.
On her part, Bilkisu Mohammed, an official of the SUG, reflected on Nigeria’s journey since independence and called for unity and peace while appreciating Mr Tinubu’s leadership.
The event was attended by representatives of students’ unions from Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, and Jigawa Polytechnic, Dutse, among others.
(NAN)