…As Fubara urges maximisation of opportunities
By: Felix Ikpotor
The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, have sensitized students in tertiary institutions in Rivers State on how to access the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, to assist them in their academic pursuit.
The sensitization was part of the National Leadership/ Mentorship Summit organised by the association at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, IAUE, in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Giving his address at the summit, the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara urged the students to take advantage of the several opportunities available to them to better their future.
Represented by the State Commissioner for Youths, Dr Chisom Gbali, the governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating the fund, stressing that it is an indication that the government is desirous of getting it right with the nation’s education sector.
“I want to thank President Bola Tinubu for the initiative of this fund. This is an indication of the paradigm shift. This is a sign that we are moving from a vicious circle to a spiral circle. A circle that would usher in that new Nigeria that we are craving for.
“Alot has been said but I want to tell us that the future belongs to us and we cannot stay complacent and the future will come to us. It is now time for you to pick yourself and start making that future you want,” the governor said.
He said his government is taking the issue of education and youths development seriously.
” A government that wants to begin must stay with the education of the youths and that’s what our government, the government of Sir Siminalayi Fubara represents. For you to maintain your balance you just keep moving. You must explore your environment
“We have outlined in the Ministry of Youth Development a framework of action or what we call preparedness plan for Rivers youths from employability to resourcefulness and what is this all about? We have four cardinal areas, such as Information Communication Technology, vocational training, entrepreneurship,” the governor stated.
Explaining the purpose of the fund, Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyer said the fund underscores President Bola Tinubu’s commitment towards empowering Nigerian students.
“This body is about our commitment in empowering the youths and ensuring that every Nigerian student had the opportunity to reach their highest potential.
“Today we gather not only to discuss the NELFUND student’s loan scheme but also to reaffirm our shared vision for an acceptable educational system in Nigeria. It is the cornerstone of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration whose unwavering commitment to education continues to inspire and guide us.
“The president’s believe in the transformative power of education has led to substantial investment aimed at building a better educational system. NELFUND initiative borne out of the vision is poised at ensuring that every Nigerian student irrespective of their financial background can pursue higher education without the burden of financial constrain,” he stated.
Mr Sawyer explained further that the loan payment plan is flexible and begins two years after the students’ national service.
“Let me be clear. This scheme is not just about providing loans, it’s about investing in your future, it’s about ensuring that every young Nigerian has the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s growth and development.
“The loan covers institutional fees and daily expenses because we also recognise that if you’re hungry, you won’t be able to cope. This loan would allow you to focus on academic excellence.
“Furthermore, the loan’s terms are designed to be fair and manageable. Because of our understanding of the economic realties many of you have after graduation, commencement of the payment of this loan only starts two years after you have completed your NYSC.
“So some of you might be asking the question, what if I don’t have a job even after NYSC? The two years is the time we expect you to start telling us what your position is with regards to income. If you don’t have a job, you can’t pay and we are not going to make you pay, we are going to help you find jobs,” he revealed.
The NELFUND boss said a job portal where jobs are posted for students to access would be open within sixty days before the student is required to repay the loan.
He assured the students that the funds are intact and appealed for their cooperation and support.
Earlier in his welcome address, NANS National President, Comrade Lucky Omonefe expressed delight that NELFUND has come to ameliorate the plight of students of tertiary institutions in the country that cannot find their education.
He stressed that as a leadership, they would continue to advocate for better deals for Nigerian students.
“Assuming office as NANS President I had messages from students wanting monies to complete their school fees but today, there is enough money for you to access for your education.
“NANS as a body of all students in the country, we came out and we advocated for flexible conditions in accessing the students loan and that’s why you have a leadership that’s representing, advocating for Nigeria students, a leadership that protects the interest of the Nigerian student,” Omenefe said.
While urging the students to embrace the scheme, the NANS leader added: “You don’t need any big man for you to access this students loan. Just have your National Identification Number and you can access the students loan and graciously, your a student of a higher institution.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that Nigerian students are well coordinated, well behaved and contribute positively to the growth of our society and contribute positively to leave in our community and in our campuses. These and many more we are eager to do”.
On his part,National Secretary of NANS and Convener of the summit, Comrade David Bariereka while speaking with journalists said the aim of the summit has been achieved. He also announced plans to tour tertiary institutions in the state to sensitize students on the need to embrace the loan.
“The aim for the summit has been achieved. NANS will keep talking to the students on clarifications about the loan. We are also planning a campus tour round tertiary institutions in Rivers State to get them to understand what the loan is all about,” he stated.
