Tinubu’s student loan policy breaking barriers in education – Dogara

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has commended President Bola Tinubu for his transformative education policies...

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has commended President Bola Tinubu for his transformative education policies, particularly the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which he said is breaking financial barriers and restoring hope for millions of Nigerian students.

Dogara spoke at the Federal University, Lokoja, while delivering a Special Public Lecture titled “Empowering the Future Generation: The Founders’ Vision and Legacy,” as part of activities marking the institution’s 9th Convocation Ceremony.

The former Speaker praised President Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive education, noting that the interest-free loan scheme has given new life to students whose academic pursuits would otherwise have been truncated due to lack of funds.

“Education remains our most powerful weapon against poverty, ignorance, and underdevelopment. It plants seeds of hope, creates pathways to opportunity, and refines human potential,” Dogara said.

“NELFUND, a programme designed to remove financial barriers for indigent students through interest-free loans, has so far disbursed N99.5bn to support tuition and upkeep allowances.”

He added that under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria is witnessing “the gradual dismantling of systemic barriers, particularly for marginalised groups such as women and persons with disabilities.”

“No one can doubt Mr. President’s commitment to ensuring that every young Nigerian, regardless of background, has access to quality education,” Dogara stated.

“For those who wonder why I openly support President Tinubu’s education policies, this is one of the reasons. Anyone who has benefited immensely from education will understand the need to champion it.”

Dogara also urged the graduating students to deploy their knowledge to address Nigeria’s challenges, encouraging them to blend global perspectives with local relevance.

“Think globally but act locally. The solutions to Africa’s problems must be African-led, though globally informed. Whether you become engineers, doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs, or public servants, always ask: How can I apply global knowledge to solve local problems?”

He further charged them to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship, ethical leadership, and lifelong learning as they step into the wider world.

Meanwhile, NELFUND has called on all accredited tertiary institutions across the country to update and upload the details of their students—both returning and newly admitted—on the Student Verification Portal ahead of the official opening of the portal for the 2025/2026 academic session.

In a statement issued on Thursday, NELFUND’s spokesperson, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, said the proactive measure aims to ensure a seamless verification and loan application process once the portal opens.

According to him, institutions are expected to ensure that every student’s data is accurately captured using their admission number or another verifiable identifier.

“NELFUND recognises the vital role tertiary institutions play in the success of the Education Loan Scheme and seeks their continued partnership in expanding access to higher education,” the statement read.

“Only students whose details have been duly uploaded and verified by their institutions will be eligible to apply for and benefit from the loan scheme.”

Institutions have been advised to designate appropriate officers to oversee the upload exercise in line with NELFUND’s technical guidelines. The Fund said the collaboration is critical to ensuring that no eligible student is left behind when the new application cycle begins.

The verification process, conducted through the Student Loan Access System, allows institutions to confirm student records, ensuring transparency and accountability in loan processing and disbursement.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).