Namadi hails Student loan scheme as game-changer for Nigerian Youths

Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has heaped praise on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the successful implementation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing the initiative as a timely masterstroke that is actively lifting the financial burden off students nationwide.

Governor Namadi gave the commendation on Tuesday at the Government House, Dutse, while receiving the National Executive Council of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), led by its National President, Comrade Olusola Ladoja.

The student leadership was in Jigawa for the association’s Northwest zonal elections, a significant event covering Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, Kebbi, and the host state.

Addressing the delegation, Governor Namadi stated that the student loan scheme is a testament to President Tinubu’s genuine commitment to the future of Nigerian youth.

He noted that without such federal intervention, the recent hike in tuition fees across tertiary institutions would have forced a massive dropout rate among vulnerable students.

"I could remember when they increased the school fees; many students found it difficult to pay. In fact, some students would have to drop out, which is unacceptable," Namadi recalled.

He highlighted that his administration had to intervene locally before the federal scheme took full root.

"Jigawa State, through the students' affairs office, worked hard to pay close to seven hundred million naira to help our students pay their school fees. So, the student loan scheme introduced by President Tinubu showed us that this is a president who has concern for youth education in Nigeria."

The Governor also applauded the NANS leadership for choosing Jigawa as the venue for their zonal elections and for prioritizing dialogue over confrontation in their advocacy.

He urged the student leaders to remain steadfast in upholding accountability and transparency as they prepare for future leadership roles.

"I am happy that the NANS president and the entire leadership have recognized that dialogue, communication, and consolidation are the way to go. As future leaders of this country, there is the need for us to resolve differences on the table, rather than conflict," he advised.

In his remarks, the NANS National President, Comrade Olusola Ladoja, described the current administration’s approach to student welfare as unprecedented in Nigeria’s democratic history.

"Since the inception of democracy in this country, this is the first time Nigerian students are having it right with the presidents of this nation," Ladoja declared. "President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the first president who deemed it fit to give Nigerian students loans to go to school."

Ladoja thanked the Jigawa State Government for providing a peaceful atmosphere for the successful conduct of the zonal elections and pledged the association’s continued partnership with the state to advance the cause of education.