Tinubu’s Student Loan Scheme Boosting Access to Tertiary Education, Says Namadi

The Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has commended President Bola Tinubu for introducing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a game changer that is making university education more accessible to thousands of young Nigerians.

The governor made the remarks while receiving the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Delivery and Coordination, Akubo Adegbe, during a working visit to Dutse, on Tuesday.

Governor Namadi says the student loan scheme is removing financial barriers that prevent many young people from pursuing higher education. He notes that the initiative is helping to bridge the education gap and create equal opportunities for students across the country.

To complement the Federal Government’s efforts, the governor announces that Jigawa State has reviewed its scholarship policy, increasing support for eligible students to 100 percent.

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The governor says education remains one of the most effective tools for tackling poverty, unemployment and social inequality, adding that investing in young people is critical to Nigeria’s future growth and development.

The visit also focused on the Nigerian Jubilee Fellows Programme, an initiative under the Office of the Vice President and implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP.

According to Akubo Adegbe, about 300 young people have already been identified in Jigawa State, while nearly 1,000 beneficiaries are expected to be selected from the state.

He explains that the programme, launched in 2022 and funded by the Federal Government with support from the European Union, is designed to bridge opportunity gaps among Nigerian youths by providing work experience, mentorship and career development opportunities.

Adegbe reveals that more than 29,000 young Nigerians have benefited from the programme nationwide, helping participants gain skills and improve their chances of securing long-term employment.

Meanwhile, Governor Namadi says his administration has created over 20,000 jobs within the last three years as part of efforts to strengthen economic growth and improve livelihoods.

He explains that more than 10,000 people have secured permanent employment in key sectors, including health, agriculture, commerce and education.

The governor further states that about 9,000 security guards have also been recruited to enhance security across government ministries, departments and agencies.

The developments highlight ongoing efforts by both the Federal and Jigawa State Governments to expand access to education, create employment opportunities and empower young Nigerians for a more productive future.