An Open Letter to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR -By Abdullahi Abubakar Lawal

Dear President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,

I write this open letter with a deep sense of appreciation and optimism on behalf of many students of Bayero University Kano (BUK) who gained admission during the 2022/2023 academic session as 100-level students and are now in their final year of study.

This milestone is not only a personal achievement for the students; it is also a reflection of the positive impact of policies that have brought stability to Nigeria’s public higher education system.

Mr. President, during your campaign and at the beginning of your administration, you assured Nigerian students that the era of prolonged and epileptic academic calendars in public tertiary institutions would be addressed. Today, the BUK students who began their studies in 2022 are progressing through their four-year programme without the disruptions that once made timely graduation uncertain. For many of us, this is a remarkable and encouraging development.

You also promised the establishment and implementation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to support students, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds. This promise has become a reality. Across campuses, many students who previously struggled to pay registration fees and other academic expenses now have renewed hope. The student loan scheme has opened the door of higher education to countless young Nigerians who might otherwise have abandoned their dreams.

In addition, your administration assured academic staff of a review and improvement of their welfare and remuneration. Efforts made in this direction have contributed to a more stable academic environment and have strengthened confidence within the education sector.

Equally important is the ongoing infrastructural development in public institutions through TETFund interventions. New classrooms, laboratories, hostels, and other educational facilities are gradually improving the learning environment and enhancing the quality of education available to Nigerian students.

Furthermore, your administration has continued to demonstrate a strong commitment to improving students’ welfare through strategic investments in infrastructure. Recently, you approved a ₦250 billion nationwide student housing intervention fund, providing ₦2 billion to each beneficiary institution for the construction of new hostels and the expansion of bed spaces across at least 50 tertiary institutions. This landmark initiative will significantly reduce accommodation challenges and create a more conducive learning environment for students across the country.

Your administration has also introduced the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Facility, a zero-interest loan scheme that provides between ₦1 million and ₦10 million to staff members of tertiary institutions. This initiative is a clear demonstration of your commitment to improving the welfare of lecturers and other university personnel, recognizing that a motivated workforce is essential to delivering quality education and sustaining industrial harmony within Nigeria’s higher education sector.

Mr. President, while challenges still exist in the education sector and in the nation at large, it is important to acknowledge progress where it is evident. The experience of the 2022/2023 Bayero University Kano students demonstrates that purposeful leadership and consistent policy implementation can produce measurable results.

On behalf of many grateful students, I say thank you for your commitment to the future of Nigerian education and to the aspirations of young Nigerians.

May Almighty God grant you good health, wisdom, strength, and guidance as you continue to serve our nation and work toward the fulfillment of your promises to the Nigerian people.

Yours faithfully,
Abdullahi Abubakar Lawal
Bayero University Kano (BUK)
Medicalscientist2016@gmail.com