Students from various tertiary institutions in Kano State, including Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Yusuf Maitama Sule University (YUMSUK), Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education (SRUOE), and Northwest University, Kano, have expressed appreciation for the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. These initiatives have alleviated some financial pressures faced by undergraduates. The students shared their views in separate interviews, highlighting the positive impact of these developments as Nigeria marked its 66th Independence anniversary.
According to Abdulmudallib Kalli, President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) at BUK, the NELFUND scheme has provided thousands of indigent students with improved access to higher education. He also noted that the introduction of CNG-powered buses has significantly reduced transportation costs for students during a period of rising living expenses. Kalli emphasized that these interventions represent practical measures to mitigate the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy and promote youth development.
Individual students also shared their experiences with the new initiatives. Aminu Sani, a 300-level BUK student, mentioned that the education loan had eliminated his fear of being forced to leave school due to unpaid fees. Similarly, Fatima Bello, an undergraduate at YUMSUK, stated that NELFUND had restored hope to students who were at risk of abandoning their studies because of financial difficulties. Maryam Tahir of SRUOE described the scheme as a timely intervention for students struggling with the country’s economic challenges.
The deployment of CNG buses under the Presidential Initiative on CNG and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG/EV) has made commuting easier and more affordable for students. Umar Sani, a 200-level BUK student, noted that transportation costs had previously been a major challenge due to high fares, but the introduction of CNG-powered buses had reduced fares from N200 per trip to N100. This reduction has provided significant relief, particularly for students already grappling with higher living and academic expenses.
The students also acknowledged the potential long-term benefits of the CNG initiative, which could promote cleaner, cheaper, and more sustainable transportation within academic communities. While appreciating the Federal Government for the interventions, the students urged NELFUND to address occasional delays in the disbursement of monthly upkeep allowances. They emphasized that timely payment of stipends is essential for helping students meet their daily needs and purchase academic materials.
The introduction of NELFUND and CNG-powered buses has had a positive impact on students’ lives, enabling them to focus on their studies without financial distractions. The students’ union leaders and individual students have expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for implementing these initiatives, which have improved access to education and reduced transportation costs.
The students’ call for timely stipend disbursement highlights the need for efficient implementation of the NELFUND scheme. As the government continues to roll out these initiatives, addressing the concerns of students and ensuring the smooth operation of these programs will be crucial to their success. Key points include:
Key points
- The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has provided thousands of indigent students with improved access to higher education.
- The introduction of CNG-powered buses has significantly reduced transportation costs for students.
- Students have urged NELFUND to address delays in the disbursement of monthly upkeep allowances.
