President Bola Tinubu has recalled how he worked as a taxi driver and took up other jobs in the United States to finance his university education.
Tinubu said he postponed his admission for several months after arriving in the US to save enough money to pay for his studies.
The President disclosed this while highlighting his administration’s efforts to improve access to education through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
According to him, he worked as a taxi driver after arriving in Chicago and later took up other jobs to cover his tuition, accommodation and living expenses.
“I was once a taxi driver in America. Those experiences have remained with me and I understand the pressure of managing education costs while studying.
“Education created opportunities in my own life and I believe Nigerian children should have similar access regardless of where they are born or their parents’ financial situation,” he said.
Tinubu said his personal experience informed his administration’s commitment to making education accessible to Nigerian students, irrespective of their financial backgrounds.
He disclosed that NELFUND had provided more than N372 billion in student loans to cover institutional fees and upkeep allowances.
The President maintained that every Nigerian child should have the opportunity to pursue education and fulfil their potential, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
