A presidential aspirant of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Mr Dotun Opaleye, has pledged to advocate the conversion of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) into a grant system.
Opaleye popularly known as Zamora, made the pledge at a news conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Abeokuta on Wednesday.
He said he would engage the Federal Government on the need to convert student loans into grants, while commending the initiative behind the scheme.
According to him, education remains the bedrock of any developed society and should be made accessible to all students.
The aspirant also promised to promote unity and run an inclusive administration if elected in the May 2026 NANS election.
Opaleye, a former NANS Chairman in Ogun State and a student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), said his decision to contest was informed by challenges facing Nigerian students.
“Nigerian students have endured a lot, and there is a need to address rising school fees, inadequate infrastructure, and insecurity on campuses,” he said.
He added that his ambition was aimed at repositioning the association to better defend students’ rights and welfare.
“Our struggle is not for personal aggrandisement but for collective liberation. NANS must return to being a fearless and united body that represents every Nigerian student,” he said.
Opaleye outlined key policy areas of his administration to include improved welfare and access to affordable education.
On unity, he assured of inclusive leadership that would guarantee equal representation for all students, regardless of region or background.
He decried the absence of a national secretariat for NANS after over four decades, describing it as unacceptable.
Opaleye said his administration would prioritise securing land and laying the foundation for a permanent secretariat.(NAN)
