…Governor Fubara Commends President Tinubu’s Commitment to Education
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has organized a sensitization summit at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) in Port Harcourt to educate students in tertiary institutions across Rivers State on how to access the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). This initiative is designed to support students in their academic pursuits.
During the summit, Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, represented by the State Commissioner for Youths, Dr. Chisom Gbali, urged students to take full advantage of the opportunities presented to them to secure a better future. The governor lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating NELFUND, describing it as a significant step towards reforming Nigeria’s education sector.
“I want to thank President Bola Tinubu for the initiative of this fund. This is an indication of the paradigm shift. This is a sign that we are moving from a vicious circle to a spiral circle, ushering in the new Nigeria we all desire,” Governor Fubara stated.
He emphasized his administration’s commitment to education and youth development, noting that the government has put in place frameworks to prepare Rivers youths for employability and resourcefulness, particularly in areas such as Information Communication Technology, vocational training, and entrepreneurship.
Akintunde Sawyer, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, highlighted that the fund demonstrates President Tinubu’s dedication to empowering Nigerian students. He emphasized that the loan scheme is not just about providing financial aid but also about investing in the future of Nigerian youths.
“This loan scheme is designed to ensure that every Nigerian student, regardless of their financial background, can pursue higher education without the burden of financial constraints,” Sawyer explained. He added that the loan repayment plan is flexible, starting two years after the students complete their national service.
NANS National President, Comrade Lucky Omonefe, expressed his excitement about the establishment of NELFUND, noting that it will ease the financial burden on students across the country. He reassured the students that they do not need any special connections to access the loan—just their National Identification Number.
The summit concluded with plans to conduct a campus tour across tertiary institutions in Rivers State to further educate students about the loan and encourage them to take advantage of it. Comrade David Bariereka, the convener of the summit, affirmed that the event had successfully achieved its goal of sensitizing students about NELFUND.