How FG’s NELFUND initiative is expanding varsity access – Yusuf

Kano state governor, Abba Yusuf, has commended President Bola Tinubu for the introduction of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing the initiative as a significant intervention capable of expanding access to higher education for Nigerian students.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad on Sunday.

The statement quoted the governor as giving  the commendation on Saturday at the 2nd and 3rd combined convocation ceremony of Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Kano state.

A total of 1,101 students graduated from various academic programmes of the university.

Yusuf said the federal government’s support for the education sector, particularly through NELFUND, would provide students and their parents with greater opportunities to finance tertiary education and reduce financial barriers that could prevent qualified young Nigerians from pursuing higher education.

“May I also use this opportunity to extend our profound appreciation to the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for its immense support for the education sector, particularly through the introduction of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.

“This important initiative provides students and parents with greater opportunities to finance education across Nigerian tertiary institutions and represents a significant step towards expanding access to higher education,” he said.

The governor urged the graduands to translate the knowledge and skills acquired during their academic journey into productive ventures and meaningful contributions to their communities, Kano state and Nigeria at large.

He also commended the management and staff of Al-Istiqama University for their contributions to the development of higher education in Kano State and for providing young Nigerians with opportunities to pursue tertiary education.

Yusuf said investments in education constituted investments in the future of Kano State and Nigeria, noting that a well-educated and skilled population remained essential to achieving sustainable development, economic growth and social progress.