The JAGABA/KAURA Students’ Mandate 2027 in Kebbi State has inaugurated Campus Ambassadors across tertiary institutions to rally students behind President Bola Tinubu and Governor Nasir Idris ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The initiative is designed to build a network of student representatives who will engage their colleagues, organise campus discussions and promote the policies and programmes of the two administrations, particularly in education, youth development and human capital development.
In a statement, the Kebbi State Coordinator of the movement, Comrade Faisal Abdullahi, said the initiative was informed by the recognition of students as important stakeholders in governance and the need to provide them with platforms to understand government policies and participate actively in the democratic process.
Abdullahi said the group would focus on mobilising students in appreciation of what it described as the achievements of the Tinubu and Idris administrations, particularly in education and human capital development.
He noted that interventions by the Federal Government and the Kebbi State Government in education, vocational training and youth empowerment informed the movement’s decision to intensify its engagement with students.
At the federal level, the group identified the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as one of the major interventions introduced by the Tinubu administration to expand access to higher education.
It said the student loan scheme, which provides financial assistance for tuition and upkeep, would ease the financial burden on students and their families while enabling more young Nigerians to pursue tertiary education.
The group also highlighted the Federal Government’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme, which provides young people with practical skills in areas such as electrical installation, welding, digital technology and other vocational trades.
According to the group, the programme offers practical training, stipends and starter packs to eligible beneficiaries to facilitate their transition into employment and entrepreneurship.
It further acknowledged the Federal Government’s engagement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), describing efforts to address issues surrounding staff welfare, funding, research and working conditions as important to strengthening the university system.
The movement also cited the role of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in supporting research and innovation in critical sectors, including health, agriculture and technology.
It maintained that such interventions would improve the quality of tertiary education, expand learning opportunities and equip young Nigerians with the skills required for employment and entrepreneurship.
On the state government’s performance, the group commended Governor Idris for sustaining free education and scholarship programmes for eligible Kebbi students.
It said the interventions had helped reduce the financial burden on parents and improve access to education across the state.
The group also listed teacher recruitment, efforts to strengthen the teaching workforce, and the renovation, rehabilitation and furnishing of schools among the administration’s education initiatives.
It particularly highlighted the development of mega-school projects incorporating academic and vocational training, saying the approach would enable students to acquire practical and technical skills alongside conventional education.
Other interventions identified by the movement include government support for public examination fees and the provision of learning materials to ease the financial pressure on families.
On teachers’ welfare, the group pointed to the reported extension of teachers’ retirement age to 65 years and their length of service to 40 years, arguing that improved welfare and conditions of service were necessary to retain experienced teachers and strengthen the education system.
It added that scholarship schemes and other education-related interventions had supported the academic advancement of Kebbi indigenes, including those pursuing postgraduate studies.
Beyond education, the group said Governor Idris’ administration had prioritised youth development through vocational training, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes aimed at improving employability and encouraging self-reliance.
It also identified women empowerment initiatives as part of the government’s broader development agenda, noting that sustained support for such programmes could promote economic inclusion and improve livelihoods.
The newly inaugurated Campus Ambassadors are expected to serve as links between the movement and students in their respective institutions, facilitating discussions on government policies and mobilising support for the two political leaders.
Abdullahi said the initiative would provide students with opportunities to understand public policies and contribute to discussions about governance and development as the 2027 elections approach.
He said the movement would continue to mobilise support for Tinubu and Idris because of what it described as their commitment to expanding access to education, improving learning standards and creating economic opportunities for young people.
“The future of Kebbi State depends significantly on the quality of education and opportunities available to its young people. Students must therefore be active participants in conversations about governance, development and the future of our state.
“Our Campus Ambassadors initiative is intended to strengthen that engagement and ensure that students have access to information about policies and programmes that affect their lives,” Abdullahi said.
The group urged students to reciprocate the governments’ interventions by participating actively in efforts to secure second terms for Tinubu and Idris, which it said would promote sustainable development and accountable leadership.
