Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has expressed his appreciation for President Bola Tinubu's introduction of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a significant intervention that can expand access to higher education for Nigerian students. The governor made this commendation at the 2nd and 3rd Combined Convocation Ceremony of Al-Istiqama University in Kano State. A total of 1,101 students graduated from various academic programs at the university.
According to the governor's statement, the Federal Government's support for the education sector through NELFUND will provide students and their parents with greater opportunities to finance tertiary education. This initiative aims to reduce financial barriers that could prevent qualified young Nigerians from pursuing higher education. The governor emphasized that this move represents a significant step towards expanding access to higher education.
The convocation ceremony at Al-Istiqama University featured the graduation of students from various academic programs. The governor urged the graduands to translate the knowledge and skills acquired during their academic journey into productive ventures and meaningful contributions to their communities, Kano State, and Nigeria at large. He also commended the management and staff of Al-Istiqama University for their contributions to the development of higher education in Kano State.
Governor Yusuf highlighted the importance of investments in education, noting that a well-educated and skilled population is essential for achieving sustainable development, economic growth, and social progress. He congratulated the graduands on the successful completion of their studies and urged them to uphold discipline, integrity, and the values acquired during their academic journey.
The governor encouraged the graduands to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning, stressing the importance of acquiring relevant skills to enable them to respond effectively to contemporary challenges and contribute to the development of their communities. The convocation ceremony also featured the conferment of honorary degrees on notable individuals, including Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil and Alhaji Abdulmumini Mai Shanu.
A posthumous doctorate degree was conferred on the late Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata in recognition of his contributions. The event brought together the university's governing authorities, management, academic and non-academic staff, graduands, parents, guardians, traditional and religious leaders, government officials, and other distinguished guests.
The governor's commendation of the NELFUND initiative reflects the growing recognition of the importance of increasing access to higher education in Nigeria. With 1,101 students graduating from Al-Istiqama University, the governor's call for them to make meaningful contributions to society is a reminder of the role that educated individuals can play in shaping the country's future.
Key points
- President Bola Tinubu's Nigerian Education Loan Fund aims to reduce financial barriers to higher education for Nigerian students.
- Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf commends the initiative as a significant intervention in the education sector.
- The governor urges graduands to apply their knowledge and skills to contribute positively to society and drive development.
