Atiku faults Tinubu’s NELFUND policy, pledges student debt forgiveness

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has promised to forgive qualifying student debts and reduce the cost of education if elected president in 2027. In a statement issued Tuesday, Atiku’s spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, said the former vice-president had reviewed the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) policy and believed education should not leave young Nigerians burdened with debt.

According to The Cable, Shaibu criticised the Tinubu administration, arguing that student loans are liabilities rather than scholarships and accusing the government of making education more expensive before offering loans to students.

He also challenged the administration to publish its calculations showing how Atiku’s proposed fuel subsidy policy could affect NELFUND, workers’ salaries and the minimum wage. Atiku said his approach would prioritise affordability and reduce education-related financial burdens.