The All-Africa Students’ Union (AASU) has emphasized the urgent need for accessible and affordable education across Africa. During the 2024 Africa Students’ Day in Abuja, AASU President Osisiogu Osikenyi Enyinnaya hailed initiatives such as President Bola Tinubu’s Student Loan Scheme in Nigeria. He called upon African private sectors to emulate the commendable contributions of Nigeria’s Dangote Group, Africa’s second-largest supporter of education.

Enyinnaya highlighted the financial challenges facing students, noting that university fees now average $3,000 annually, with widespread fee increases exacerbating the burden on students. He applauded President Tinubu for enacting the Students Loan Bill and establishing an Education Bank, while urging other African governments to implement similar measures to aid disadvantaged students.

Despite Africa’s economic growth, Enyinnaya pointed out that education remains underfunded by governments, stressing the importance of efficient public spending and advocating for innovative financing models involving public-private partnerships. He specifically praised Dangote Group’s $24 million annual investment in Nigeria’s educational sector, which includes infrastructure support, scholarships, and contributions to academic institutions.

The AASU lauded Aliko Dangote for his philanthropic efforts in education and other sectors, underscoring his significant impact on African development. As delegates convened in Abuja, there was a collective commitment to ensure that education in Africa evolves to meet 21st-century challenges, emphasizing equity, innovation, and universal accessibility for all students.