Nollywood actor Laide Olabanji has criticized present-day political leaders for framing student loan schemes as major government achievements, comparing current education policies with the free social programs of the Second Republic.

In a post shared on his social media page, the actor expressed frustration with modern governance, arguing that past statesmen prioritized comprehensive public welfare without treating basic social infrastructure as heroic feats.

Drawing a historical contrast, Olabanji pointed to the leadership of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and former Lagos State Governor Alhaji Lateef Jakande in the late 1970s and 1980s.

"Awolowo and Jakande gave us free education and healthcare and didn't see it as an achievement, but you see student loans as an achievement," Olabanji stated.

Reflecting on his experience growing up under those administrative eras, he highlighted how learning materials were provided at no cost to families.

"In 1979, Free education, free healthcare, that our great politicians, chief obafemi awolowo and alh lateef kayode jakande never see has an achievement, we don't buy books, both text book and big notes, every books is free, not for sale," he wrote.

Olabanji concluded his commentary by criticizing citizens for celebrating debt-based education models rather than demanding fully funded public schooling and institutional support.

During the Second Republic (1979–1983), the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo and executed in Lagos by Governor Lateef Jakande, implemented free primary and secondary education programs alongside free healthcare initiatives across several southwestern states.

Under current federal policy, the Nigerian Student Loan Act established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to provide interest-free loans to tertiary institution students, a policy that continues to draw debate regarding long-term student debt versus direct institutional funding.

"Awolowo and Jakande gave us free education and healthcare and didn't see it as an achievement, but you see student loans as an achievement" - Actor Laide Olabanji speaks out. https://t.co/AYJXQzZdCA

— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) September 28, 2026