by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Governor, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has officially launched the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) Stakeholders’ Committee Engagement, which is aimed at improving access to education in the state.
The step underscores his commitment to prioritize education as a key driver for the state’s growth and development.
The governor emphasized that this engagement marks a turning point in addressing the pressing challenges in Nigeria’s education sector, and also serves as a crucial platform for collaboration among key stakeholders.
According to Mutfwang, fostering partnerships between the government and educational institutions will pave the way for innovative solutions to enhance access to quality education for all students.
Reflecting on the broader impact of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Mutfwang shared his optimism, saying, “This Act by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to introduce Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), has democratized access to education. Not only has it democratized education, but it has also boosted the economy of communities that host students. It’s amazing!”
While highlighting the role of technology, the governor also addressed the importance of ensuring that the digital divide does not hinder students’ ability to access education funds.
He promised that, “Since this is ICT-driven, we need to democratize access to ICT so that students can apply. We’ll do our best to facilitate that, and the Plateau Information Technology Development Agency, PICTDA, will be liaising with all the tertiary institutions to simplify the process for students.”
The governor’s commitment to seeing tangible outcomes was also evident in his remarks about the impact of the funding at the University of Jos.
Mutfwang stated that, “I will go to UNIJOS and see what 900 million naira is doing in that community. I’m sure, if 900 million cycles through the university, there should be noticeable improvements in economic activity.
“I want to urge those of us attending the technical sessions to see this as a responsibility to create opportunities for our teeming students to benefit from this initiative,” he said.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Akintunde Sawyer, intimated Governor Mutfwang that NELFUND is particularly important as it seeks to provide financial support to students by enabling them to pursue their academic goals without the burden of financial constraints.
“This programme,” he explained, “is not just to uplift Nigerians individually, but to uplift the nation, to uplift this country and take it to its rightful place in the Comity of Nations. Education will make us more competitive. It will bring us dignity, it will bring us respect.
He said, “By supporting education, the government is investing in the future of Nigeria, equipping the next generation with the skills and knowledge needed to drive growth and development,” Sawyer added.
Also, the Plateau State Commissioner of Education, Dr. Kachollom Gang, applauded the strides recorded by Governor Mutfwang in making education accessible with the acceptance of the Students Education Loan facility to citizens.
According to her, “Let us collaborate to make education not merely a privilege but the right of every Nigerian. Together, through NELFUND, we can create pathways for a brighter and more productive future for our young people and the nation,” she said, adding that, “The opportunity is here, and the time is now. Let us take advantage of it. Let us pass the word around. Help has come.”
The NELFUND Stakeholders Committee Engagement intends to elaborate on the application process and requirements to heads of institutions towards enlightening students on how to apply and access funds for their education.
So far, the University of Jos is the 3rd Federal University to have accessed 900 million naira by students for their education. Thirteen tertiary institutions participated in the exercise, with Vice Chancellors of Federal and State Universities and Heads of tertiary institutions in attendance.