The governor gave the commendation on Tuesday while receiving members of the National Executive Council of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), led by its National President, Comrade Olusola Ladoja, during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Dutse. The NANS delegation was in Jigawa State for its Northwest zonal elections, which cover Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Jigawa, Sokoto and Kebbi states.
Governor Namadi expressed appreciation to the association for choosing Jigawa as host, reaffirming the state government’s readiness to continue supporting NANS activities and other student-focused engagements. He said the student loan scheme reflected President Tinubu’s commitment to education and youth welfare, especially at a time when rising school fees have made access to education increasingly difficult for many students.
Recalling the challenges students faced following increases in tuition fees, the governor disclosed that the Jigawa State Government had invested significant resources to support indigent students as part of its broader human capital development agenda. According to him, the state, through the Students’ Affairs Office, spent close to ₦700 million to assist students in paying their school fees, in order to prevent dropouts.
“I could remember when they increased the school fees; many students found it difficult to pay. In fact, some students would have to drop out, which is unacceptable. Jigawa State worked hard to pay close to seven hundred million naira to help our students,” he said, adding that the introduction of the student loan scheme further demonstrated the president’s concern for youth education in Nigeria.
Governor Namadi also commended the leadership of NANS for promoting dialogue, unity and constructive engagement among students, urging them to embrace accountability, transparency and responsible leadership. He stressed the importance of resolving differences through dialogue rather than conflict, noting that such values are essential for future national leaders.
In his remarks, the NANS National President, Comrade Olusola Ladoja, praised both the federal and Jigawa State governments for policies he described as student-friendly. He described the student loan scheme as a groundbreaking initiative, saying it marked a new era of responsive leadership that listens to and acts in the interest of Nigerian students.
Ladoja said the scheme was unprecedented in Nigeria’s democratic history, describing President Tinubu as the first president to prioritise access to education by providing loans to students. He also expressed appreciation to the Jigawa State Government for providing a peaceful and conducive environment that ensured the successful conduct of the NANS Northwest zonal elections.
The NANS leadership reaffirmed its commitment to sustained collaboration with the Jigawa State Government in advancing student welfare and educational development across the region.
