President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday inaugurated the long awaited student loan, saying it is key to fighting poverty and insecurity.
Tinubu said the student loan scheme aligned with his administration’s commitment to inclusiveness and assured sufficient funding to sustain the programme.
In his statement at Aso Rock Villa on Wednesday, “Democracy is all about inclusiveness. Our target is to build a society on successful inclusiveness,” he said.
He added that education is the greatest weapon against poverty in any society, which is very essential for vision, development, and and capable of successfully combating insecurity, including terrorism and banditry.
President Tinubu presented cheques to students from each of Nigeria’s six Geo-political zones.
The Executive Secretary of Nigeria Education Fund (NELFUND Mr Akintunde Sawyer , announced that thirty two billion naira (N32 billion)was currently available for disbursement to commence the programme.
Mr Sawyer said that since the portal was opened on 25 May, 164,000 students have registered, with 103,000 applying for loans.
The Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, passed on April 3, 2024, aims to empower Nigerian youths by providing equitable and transparent funding and removing financial barriers to education”
The importance of offering this opportunity for the neediest Nigerians, the ones who will most likely look after us or whose decisions will touch us in our old age, cannot be overstated.
A nd I’m sure you’ve all heard that fortune favours the brave and this courageous move will bring fortune not just to the President, but to the entire nation,” said Sawyer further.
“It was first a bill, then an act, and now the President has launched and disseminated it. We are quite proud of this. We, as Nigerian students, shall refer to it as a new dawn in the education industry.
“During today’s presidential disbursement, you could see people applying; regardless of your background, you can assess the loan.”
“It is so transparent, once you apply you will get it, irrespective of your status, your age and your class,” according to Emonefe.
“We’re proud of this. This is a terrific legacy and investment.
“And I’m sure you’ve all heard that fortune favours the brave and this courageous move will bring fortune not just to the President, but to the entire nation,” Sawyer went on.
