* Gov. Urges Student Leaders to Drive NELFUND Awareness
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Katsina State Governor and Chairman of the Northwest Governors’ Forum, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has called for wider awareness and utilisation of NELFUND across the Northwest, urging eligible students to benefit from the scheme.
A statement signed by Ibrahim kaula Mohammad chief press secretary to the Governor said Governor Radda made the call today in Katsina at the NELFUND sensitisation programme for tertiary institutions and students across the seven Northwest states, held at Umaru Musa Yar’adua University.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly for establishing NELFUND, describing it as a major intervention that is expanding access to higher education for students facing financial challenges.
“This is one of the most remarkable achievements of the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in providing financial support to less-privileged students who may have the ability and potential but lack the financial means,” he said.
Governor Radda also commended the NELFUND management for developing a programme that directly impacts Nigerian students.
He appealed to NELFUND to consider allowing students to complete their academic registration before institutional fees are paid through the scheme, saying this would reduce the financial pressure on students and parents.
“I appeal to the leadership of NELFUND to look into the possibility of allowing students to register for their academic programmes before their fees are paid through the scheme,” he said.
The Governor further urged student leaders across the Northwest to take ownership of NELFUND sensitisation and ensure that eligible students understand how to apply and utilise the scheme.
“I am calling on student leaders to make this a priority and reach out to students across the various local governments and institutions to explain how to apply for NELFUND and how best to utilise the scheme,” he said.
Governor Radda noted that the Northwest was still lagging behind other regions in NELFUND utilisation, urging students to intensify awareness and ensure that all eligible beneficiaries are reached.
He disclosed that the Katsina State Government had already established committees that visited local government areas and tertiary institutions to sensitise students on NELFUND and other educational opportunities.
The Governor urged students to regard NELFUND as an opportunity created for them and to take responsibility for understanding and accessing it responsibly.
“NELFUND is not for somebody else; it is for you. You should therefore take full responsibility for understanding the scheme, accessing it responsibly and making full use of the opportunity it provides,” he said.
Governor Radda thanked the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFund for choosing Katsina to host the Northwest sensitisation programme and assured them of the state government’s continued support.
Earlier, Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Muntari Mohammed Dandutse, said the campaign was aimed at improving awareness and helping students access NELFUND.
Speaking for universities in the region, Professor Umar Katsayal of the Federal University of Transportation, Daura, commended NELFUND for reducing the financial burden of higher education on students and their families.
Dr. Kabir Ahmed Gwarzo of Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kano, called for sustained sensitisation to ensure that polytechnic students are fully informed about the scheme.
Chairman of the Polytechnics Association, Engr. Dr. Muhammad Kabir Abdullahi, also commended NELFUND and stressed the role of polytechnics and monotechnics in producing skilled manpower for economic development.
The programme brought together representatives of universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, monotechnics, institutional management, lecturers and students from the seven Northwest states.
The event was attended by members of the Senate Committee, including Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Senator Ibrahim Khalid, Senator Ahmed Abdulhamid Malam Madori, Senator Kelvin Chukwu, Senator Professor Francis Fadahunsi and Senator Professor Anthony Ani.
Also in attendance were the Secretary to the Katsina State Government, Chief of Staff, Commissioner for Higher, Technical and Vocational Education, members of the State Executive Council, senior government officials and media representatives.
