Tinubu Urges Ebonyi Students to Utilize Government Student Loan Program

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on students in the South East to engage with the federal government's student loan program, designed to mitigate the nation’s economic challenges.

Speaking through Mrs. Chioma Nweze, his Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement for the South East, Tinubu’s message was delivered during a visit to Ebonyi State University (EBSU). Accompanied by Akintunde Sawyer, Managing Director of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFund), and his team, Nweze underscored the necessity for students to embrace the loan scheme, while also encouraging them to explore research grants, interdisciplinary courses, and community-based activities.

Nweze pointed out that the NELFund initiative aligns with the Tinubu administration’s broader strategy for poverty reduction and economic growth. She urged universities to become hubs of innovation, promoting creativity and progress by encouraging both students and faculty to tap into various development opportunities.

She also emphasized the need to revise academic curricula to prioritize science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in order to close the technology gap between Nigeria and advanced countries. Nweze suggested that such a focus could help nurture future leaders comparable to figures like Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg, who would play a key role in Nigeria's future development.

"This engagement aims to educate universities and students about the importance of the NELFund, the process for accessing it, and why it should be shared with others," she said. "There’s nothing wrong with taking the loan; we should also seize opportunities for government grants, research funding, and other initiatives. Our universities need to be leaders in this movement."

Akintunde Sanyerr, NELFund’s Managing Director, encouraged students to apply for the interest-free loan, which would be repaid once they secure employment. He reiterated that the student loan program is a fulfillment of President Tinubu’s campaign promises, aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for Nigerian students.

Prof. Chigozie Ogbu, Vice Chancellor of Ebonyi State University, praised the introduction of the student loan, noting that it would help reduce the number of dropouts and contribute to addressing social issues in the country.