Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has commended the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for expanding access to higher education for Nigerian students. Speaking at the 2nd and 3rd combined convocation ceremony of Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Yusuf described NELFUND as a significant intervention that provides 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.
Governor Yusuf expressed his appreciation to the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, for its support to the education sector, particularly through the introduction of NELFUND. He emphasized that this initiative represents a significant step towards expanding access to higher education across Nigerian tertiary institutions. Yusuf urged the graduands to translate the knowledge and skills acquired during their academic journey into productive ventures and meaningful contributions to their communities.
The governor commended the management and staff of Al-Istiqama University for their contributions to the development of higher education in Kano State. He noted that investments in education constitute investments in the future and that a well-educated and skilled population remained essential to achieving sustainable development, economic growth, and social progress. Yusuf encouraged the graduands to uphold discipline, integrity, and the values acquired during their academic journey.
Governor Yusuf further encouraged the graduands to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning, enabling them to respond effectively to contemporary challenges and contribute to the development of their communities. He emphasized that this would enable them to make a positive impact in society. The governor's remarks were contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Mustapha Muhammad.
In a related development, Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, has commended the immediate past Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Chijioke Ihunwo, for investing in the development of the Church. Odu gave the commendation during the dedication of the parsonage and the 10th memorial thanksgiving service for late Mrs. Justina Ihunwo. She congratulated Ihunwo on his birthday and commended him for honouring the memory of his late mother.
The Redeemer’s Health Village (RHV), in collaboration with RoboMed Global and Nisa Premier Hospital, has performed Nigeria’s first tele-robotic surgery. The surgery was performed in real-time on Saturday from a Toumai console at RHV on a patient at Nisa Premier Hospital, Abuja. The procedure was a telesurgery-assisted, robot-assisted right radical nephrectomy performed to remove a kidney affected by a cancerous tumour.
The surgeon who led the procedure, Prof. Obi Ekwenna-Davis, explained that the medical condition of the patient demonstrated that telesurgery could be safely performed on patients in different parts of Nigeria and the world. He noted that distance should never decide who receives safe surgery and that this development was a significant achievement for RHV and its partners. The patient was in good condition and expected to be discharged within 24 hours.
Key points
- Governor Abba Yusuf commends NELFUND for expanding access to higher education
- Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu commends Hon. Chijioke Ihunwo for investing in the Church
- Nigeria records its first tele-robotic surgery in West Africa
