Tinubu’s NELFUND initiative expanding varsity access — Kano gov

n n

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

n

The commendation was contained in a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, a copy of which was made available to PUNCH Online on Sunday.

n

According to the statement, the governor made the commendation on Saturday at the 2nd and 3rd Combined Convocation Ceremony of Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Kano State.

n

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

n

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.

n

“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.

n

“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.

n

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.

n

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.

n

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.

n

He congratulated the graduands on the successful completion of their studies and urged them to uphold discipline, integrity and the values acquired during their academic journey while using their education to contribute positively to society.

n

The governor further encouraged them to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and lifelong learning, stressing the importance of acquiring relevant skills to enable them to respond effectively to contemporary challenges and contribute to the development of their communities.

n

The convocation ceremony also featured the conferment of honorary degrees on Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil and Alhaji Abdulmumini Mai Shanu (A.Y. Shafa), while a posthumous doctorate degree was conferred on the late Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata in recognition of his contributions.

n

The event brought together the university’s governing authorities, management, academic and non-academic staff, graduands, parents, guardians, traditional and religious leaders, government officials and other distinguished guests.

n n