The University of Ilorin’s Main Auditorium was abuzz on Tuesday as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) in partnership with Kwara State Government launched a groundbreaking sensitization program aimed at empowering students through financial inclusion and entrepreneurship.
The event, themed “Empowering Students Through Financial Inclusion & Entrepreneurship,” and facilitated through the office of the Special Adviser on Education, Policy Formulation and Human Capital Development to Kwara State Governor drew participants from over 20 institutions across the State, signaling a concerted effort to address the financial challenges faced by students pursuing higher education.
Representing the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Adegboyega Adisa Fawole, emphasized the Federal Government’s vision in introducing NELFUND. He urged students to embrace the opportunity, highlighting its potential to alleviate the burden of tuition fees and other financial constraints.
“We expect that you, students will give it an open hand and embrace the opportunity, and it’ll bring relief to your parents,” he stated.
In her remarks, Dr. Adetola Ariyike Salau, Special Adviser to Kwara State Governor on Education, Policy Formulation & Human Capital Development, called on students to become ambassadors of NELFUND, dispelling “negative information” circulating about the agency.
She charged participants to make judicious use of the knowledge the Sensitization Program would avail them.
“Kwara State under the Leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is keen to bring all relevant stakeholders onboard in ensuring that Education becomes affordable for everyone,” she affirmed.
Prof. Ambali, Dean Student Affairs , Kwara State University (KWASU) lauded the NELFUND initiative, acknowledging the prevailing economic hardships faced by parents.
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Governor AbdulRazaq for making the program accessible to Kwara students.
“We should be grateful to President Tinubu for having this vision of coming up with an initiative like this and the Kwara State Governor for making it a possibility to come down to our doors here in Kwara State to enable our institution to have this kind of opportunity,” he said.
Mal. Mustapha Iyal, Executive Director of Operations, NELFUND, representing the Managing Director, stressed the pivotal role of education in national development.
He urged students to view the loans as an investment in their future, not merely as financial aid.
The MD also outlined the registration process, emphasizing the need for a Matric number, NIN, JAMB details, and BVN for a seamless application.
Mustapha hinted on future plans for NELFUND to provide skills acquisition for unemployed graduates.
The Dean of Student Affairs, UNILORIN, further underscored the impact of financial constraints on students, citing past instances of program suspensions due to financial difficulties. “This initiative is appreciated by all students in Nigeria and it has brought hope and relief to the students,” he said.
“There was a time almost a thousand students had their program suspended in this same institution due to financial problems”, He added.
The event also featured insights into financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and funding opportunities for education and business growth.
9japarot reports that the sensitization program signals a significant step towards enhancing access to education and empowering students in Kwara State.
Notable attendees included Professor Rasheed Gbenga Jimoh, VC Muhammed Kamaldeen University, Dr. Alex Akanmu, Dean Student Affairs UNILORIN, Femi Adewuyi, Deputy Dean Student Affairs, Monsur Adeleke Alfa Nla, and Deans of Student Affairs from various institutions across the state.
