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The Microinfluencer life: How Nigerian students balance school and social media

by Editor June 16, 2025

written by Editor

By Obale Aishat Adenike, Odejinmi Mercy Oluwamayokun, Mohammedking Aaliyah Adewura, Lawal ololade faridah, Muideen Muize Olalekan, Munirdeen Farida Alausa

In Nigerian universities, microinfluencing is more than a trend—it’s a vibrant movement. Students are building online identities by creating content that promotes brands, shares life hacks, and offers tips on fashion, academics, and campus survival. With followings large enough to engage but small enough to stay relatable, student microinfluencers are carving out a unique space in digital culture.

At the University of Ilorin, microinfluencing is thriving. Students transform everyday routines into engaging content, from dance challenges and modest fashion tips to spoken word poetry, cooking hacks, business promotions, and advice for managing academic stress. While the lifestyle looks glamorous, balancing content creation with schoolwork can be intense.

Consistency is a major challenge. Tajudeen Aliyah Adebola, a studentpreneur and content creator, finds exam periods especially tough. “The pressure is real, and creating content becomes hard,” she says. Her solution? Planning ahead, setting priorities, and being open with followers about taking breaks when needed.

Not all student influencers struggle the same way. Ayandokun Abigail manages both academics and influencing with ease. By studying before midnight and allocating time wisely, she keeps her grades strong and her online presence vibrant.

Despite the challenges, microinfluencing offers exciting rewards. Abigail loves receiving PR packages, calling them a highlight of her work. For Aliyah, the benefits go deeper—her visibility has grown, she’s built customer trust, and she’s landed valuable collaborations. Along the way, she’s honed skills in marketing, graphic design, and time management.

Passion keeps these students going. Aliyah’s love for sharing modest fashion and connecting with others fuels her drive, even during tough moments. When doubts creep in, she reconnects with her purpose and pushes forward.

As the digital world evolves, so does the role of student microinfluencers. Universities are now partnering with them to promote campus events and initiatives. With new opportunities emerging, these students are mastering the art of balancing their studies with their brands—one post at a time.

June 16, 2025 0 comment 11 views

Education Features Governance

NELFUND: Fueling Nigeria’s future through student empowerment

by Editor June 16, 2025

written by Editor

By Majekodunmi Precious Favour, Odedele Ezekiel Olumide, Oboh Patience Oluwaferanmi, Mike-Nliam Daisy Mmesoma

Student loans have long served as a gateway to education and opportunity, particularly in countries where the cost of university education places a heavy burden on families.
The concept dates back to 1840 in the United States, when Harvard University issued what is considered the first recorded student loan. Over the decades, the system evolved.

A major shift occurred in 1958, when the U.S. government, under the National Defense Education Act, introduced a federal loan program to encourage students to pursue science fields during the Cold War.

As global student loan systems matured, many developing nations lagged behind in providing structured financial aid to students. Nigeria, for many years, remained one such country. Despite the growing demand for higher education, there were few formal mechanisms to support students who couldn’t afford tuition, until recently.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) marks a turning point in Nigeria’s approach to tertiary education financing. Established under the revised Student Loan Act of 2024, NELFUND is a government-backed initiative designed to dismantle financial barriers that have historically hindered access to tertiary education.

Its core innovation lies in its interest-free structure, targeted at eligible students enrolled in public universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and recognized vocational institutions.

NELFUND’s development involved several years of planning, policy drafting, and stakeholder consultations. The bill was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023 and further refined into its current structure by early 2024, with operational plans rolling out by April 2024. It is administered in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Education, and other financial partners to ensure transparency and accountability.

Unlike traditional student loan programs, NELFUND emphasizes sustainability, accountability, and flexibility. Loans are not disbursed directly to students; instead, funds are sent to educational institutions after verification to cover tuition and essential academic expenses, including upkeep.

On May 1, 2024, Dr. Akintunde Sawyerr, Managing Director of NELFUND, noted that the agency was designed “with sustainability at its heart,” and emphasized that the repayment mechanism would only activate two years after NYSC, strictly based on income thresholds.

In a recent statement, Prof. Tahir Mamman, Minister of Education, said, “The NELFUND initiative is not just a fund; it’s a statement that Nigeria believes in its youth. This is about inclusivity, about ensuring that the child of a roadside trader has the same academic opportunity as the child of a civil servant.”

The formulation of NELFUND involved broad consultation, according to eyewitness accounts. Uche Eke, a student union leader from the University of Abuja, stated “’NELFUND didn’t come out of nowhere. Representatives from NANS were consulted in late 2023, and our voices helped shape the fairer terms we see today.”’

Many students who have benefited from the program describe it as a much-needed intervention. During an interview, Zainab Lawal, a 200-level student at Unilorin, said, “NELFUND has really eased the burden of financial constraints, running helter-skelter to get funds for school fees payment.”

Similarly, Omolara Adebayo, a 300-level student, shared her experience, “I was skeptical at first because it sounded strange to me… but the orientation from the Federal Government through social media and the benefits attached to it, alongside my dad’s encouragement, prompted me to apply.”

With NELFUND’s rollout, Nigeria has entered a new chapter in its education financing history, one that prioritizes access, dignity, and equity for its student population. Through these collaborative efforts and carefully structured mechanisms, NELFUND was developed not only to provide immediate financial relief but also to establish a sustainable and accountable student loan program for Nigeria’s future.

June 16, 2025 0 comment 7 views

Education Features Technology

Learning evolved: AI’s role in shaping future education

by Editor June 16, 2025

written by Editor

By Lawal Mozidah Olawumi, Musa Lateefah Ebunoluwa, Aransiola Olawale Taofeek, Mahmud Aliyah Titilayo

Artificial Intelligence popularly known as AI is no longer just a futuristic idea. It’s quickly changing how students learn and how teachers teach. AI refers to computer systems designed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence—such as recognizing speech, analyzing data, making decisions, or learning from experience. In practice, this means AI can act like a smart assistant that helps students solve problems, answer questions, and adjust lessons based on individual needs.

During an interview with Olusegun Joe-Alabi, Founder and CEO of Makkan Foundation and a tech innovator, explains that, “AI is like teaching computers to think and learn the way humans do. For students, think of AI as a smart assistant that can personalize learning based on strengths and weaknesses.”

It’s almost hard to believe that AI—this thing quietly powering our learning apps—started out as a wild research dream decades ago. Back then, scientists imagined machines that could think like humans, but most people never expected to see it in action, let alone in a school setting. Fast forward to today, and we have AI tools recommending study topics, grading essays, and even adjusting lessons on the spot. What felt like science fiction is now shaping how we learn.

One major benefit of AI in schools is personalized learning. Joe-Alabi says, “AI can adapt to each student’s pace and style, something traditional classrooms struggle with due to limited time and resources. It’s especially useful for revision, practice, and mastering foundational skills.”

Many students already use AI-powered tools—sometimes without realizing it.For example, language apps like Duolingo adapt lessons in real time, turning practice into a personalized game. Writing assistants such as Grammarly scan essays in seconds, giving instant feedback on grammar and tone.

Platforms like Khan Academy use AI to recommend topics based on what a student struggles with. Even more advanced tools like Carnegie Learning analyze student answers and adjust problem difficulty instantly to keep learners challenged but not overwhelmed.

In Nigeria, local platforms like uLesson and Edukoya are also harnessing AI. They help students prepare for exams with tailored videos, quizzes, and personalized learning paths.

“Most times I feel more comfortable asking questions on AI apps than raising my hand in class,” says Oyeleke Barakah, a 100-level student at the University of Ilorin. For students like her, AI offers a judgment-free zone where they can learn quietly, rewind lessons, and practice until they fully understand.

While AI is growing rapidly, not everyone feels it can fully replace human teachers. Mahmud Temitope, a 300-level student of Anatomy at the University of Ilorin shared her concerns:

“AI doesn’t have the emotional intelligence that a teacher would. A teacher can tell when a student is sad or stressed but an AI doesn’t do that.” Her words point to an essential truth: while AI can adapt to data, it cannot yet connect emotionally with learners or respond to subtle cues of distress, motivation, or confusion in the way a human can.

AI’s influence is still growing. A 2024 HolonIQ report estimates the global AI education market will top $20 billion by 2027, growing at around 45 percent annually. This shows the world’s strong belief in AI’s potential.

Still, challenges exist. “Access is a big hurdle,” Joe-Alabi points out. “Not all schools have the infrastructure or training to use AI tools properly. Protecting student data and ensuring ethical use also require attention.”

In many places, especially in developing countries like Nigeria, limited internet and technical support slow AI adoption in education.

Despite this, AI-based education programs are already making a difference. From adaptive language apps to platforms that identify learning gaps, AI is helping make education more personal, efficient, and accessible.

As AI technology evolves, education must keep up. Teaching students skills like critical thinking and digital literacy will be key to thriving in an AI-driven future. For now, AI is a tool that complements traditional teaching, not a replacement.

June 16, 2025 0 comment 4 views