Nigeria: Female Students Back Tinubu, Shettima for 2027, Demand Stronger Girls' Education

What the report says

The Association of Nigerian Female Students (ANFS) has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for a second term in 2027, while pressing the federal government to do more on girls’ education, student welfare and women’s economic empowerment. The group made the announcement at its National Female Students Conference in Abuja, held at the Women Development Centre, where participants discussed access to education, leadership, safety and opportunities for female students.

According to Leadership’s report carried by AllAfrica, ANFS said its support is tied to a desire for continuity in policies affecting education and women’s development, but it also wants stronger implementation and accountability. The association highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as a major support for students facing financial barriers, while urging improvements in access, transparency and monitoring. It also pointed to government and partner-led initiatives on menstrual hygiene, alternative education, digital skills and girls’ schooling, saying these efforts matter for keeping girls in class and helping them complete tertiary education.

The group also raised broader concerns such as gender-based violence, school retention, safe learning environments and participation of female students in policymaking. It called for closer coordination among ministries, schools, development partners and student groups. At the same conference, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, reiterated the government’s commitment to equal opportunities for female students and encouraged women to pursue economic empowerment. The event also produced new ANFS leadership, with Comrade Okwuchukwu Joy elected president.