The Federal Government has said over one million students have benefitted from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund since its establishment, as education stakeholders continue to highlight the impact of the scheme on access to higher learning across the country.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, and the Acting Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Ilaro, Dr Mikhail Akinde, made the remarks separately during official engagements in Kogi and Ogun states.
The intervention, according to Alausa, has cost the Federal Government over N1.1bn, while over 160,000 youths have been trained in digital skills.
Speaking at the inauguration of two newly constructed Model Science Secondary Schools in Nagazi, Adavi, and Okebukun, Kabba-Bunu local government areas of Kogi State, Alausa said, “The Federal Government is focusing more attention on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, technical and vocational training, and digitalisation.”
He commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for implementing far-reaching reforms in the education sector, particularly NELFUND.
The minister also lauded Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, for his commitment to repositioning education in the state.
“The schools were testaments to the governor’s visionary leadership and dedication to transforming education,” Alausa said.
He praised the state’s initiatives, including free education policies, payment of examination fees, and establishment of three universities, all of which had been fully accredited.
He also praised the state for allocating over 30 per cent of the annual budget to education, surpassing the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation recommendation of 26 per cent.
“Kogi State is setting a shining example, and I’m honoured to be part of this journey,” Alausa said.
Earlier, the governor commended the minister and President Tinubu for their commitment to education sector reforms in the country, emphasising education as the foundation of societal progress.
“Today marks a defining step in securing Kogi State’s future through purposeful investment in education,” Ododo said,
The Ohinoyi of Ebira land, Dr Ahmed Tijani-Anaje, praised Ododo’s administration for its commitment to improving education.
“Many schools were given a new life, and learning conditions have greatly improved,” the monarch said.
The acting VC of Federal University of Technology, formerly Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, Dr Akinde, lauded the NELFUND initiative, adding that many students who ordinarily would have abandoned their studies due to lack of funds had been kept on track courtesy of the fund.
He lauded President Tinubu, while acknowledging that the institution had received about N32m to support about 233 students of the institution.
“I can tell you that NELFUND is actually impacting the lives of students. The institution has benefited to the tune of about N32m.
“In the exam that we were about to conclude, a lot of students would have been denied the opportunity to write their exams. What we did was to capture all the names of the students already captured by NELFUND,” he said.
Speaking on Monday during media engagement and exhibition of fabricated machines by the institution, as part of the programme lined up for its 23rd convocation slated for Wednesday, Akinde said the university would continue to prioritise technical education to bridge the technological gap in the country.
He said the institution would continue to push graduates who could actually put into practice the knowledge acquired in the school, so as to move the country forward.
“This event showcases the incredible work of our talented researchers, innovators, and students, pushing boundaries and driving progress.
“From cutting-edge tech to impactful solutions, these projects reflect our commitment to excellence and real-world relevance.
“Part of our inventions are tricycles that can use solar and battery, we have a palm oil digester, a pet bottle shredder, a maize dehusker and a shield, a defeathering machine, an incubator and a lot more that can be mass produced to cut importation and create jobs for the people,” he said.
The vice-chancellor called on investors to partner with the institution to create wealth for the nation.
The acting vice-chancellor said that the university would, during the convocation ceremony, honour Governor Dapo Abiodun, his Katsina State counterpart, Dikko Radda, who will also deliver the convocation lecture, as well as the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja and Alake and paramount ruler of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, for their invaluable roles in national development.
Speaking earlier, the Director of Research and Development and Chairman of the exhibition, Dr S A Odunlami, said, “The projects showcased here reflect not only technical competence but also the vision, dedication, and collaborative spirit of our participants.
“From groundbreaking prototypes to practical solutions with immediate societal impact, each exhibit demonstrates the vital role of innovation in driving sustainable development and economic growth.”
