Former Vice-President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has pledged to review the operations of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and introduce debt forgiveness for eligible students if elected president in 2027.

Atiku’s position was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.

According to the statement, Atiku believes Nigerian students should not be forced to begin their working lives under the burden of education-related debts.

The former vice-president’s proposed policy would focus on reducing the cost of education while providing debt relief for students who meet specified eligibility requirements.

“Education should open doors, not mortgage the future,” Shaibu said, explaining Atiku’s position on student loans.

The statement followed comments by President Bola Tinubu defending the NELFUND student-loan scheme and criticising Atiku’s economic proposals.

Atiku’s camp argued that expanding access to loans does not necessarily make education more affordable, particularly where families are already struggling with rising education costs.

Shaibu described the government’s approach as “witchcraft economics,” arguing that government should prioritise reducing the cost of education rather than increasing financial pressure on students and subsequently offering loans to help them cope.

He further maintained that student loans should not be portrayed as scholarships because beneficiaries are expected to repay the funds, potentially leaving graduates with significant financial obligations at the beginning of their careers.

The ADC presidential candidate’s proposed education reforms would therefore centre on reviewing the existing NELFUND framework, reducing the financial burden of education and forgiving debts owed by students who meet the stipulated conditions.

Atiku’s pledge comes as political parties and presidential aspirants intensify their preparations and policy engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections.