The Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has applauded President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a transformative initiative that is making tertiary education more attainable for thousands of young Nigerians.
The governor made the statement while hosting the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Delivery and Coordination, Akubo Adegbe, during an official visit to Dutse.
Governor Namadi stated that the student loan programme is eliminating financial obstacles that hinder many young people from accessing higher education. He observed that the initiative is contributing to closing the education gap and providing equal opportunities for students nationwide.
To support the Federal Government’s efforts, the governor announced that Jigawa State has revised its scholarship policy, increasing assistance for qualified students to 100 percent.
The governor noted that education remains one of the most powerful instruments for addressing poverty, unemployment and social inequality, adding that investing in young people is essential to Nigeria’s future progress and development.
The visit also centred on the Nigerian Jubilee Fellows Programme, an initiative under the Office of the Vice President and implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP.
According to Akubo Adegbe, about 300 young people have already been shortlisted in Jigawa State, while nearly 1,000 beneficiaries are expected to emerge from the state.
He explained that the programme, introduced in 2022 and financed by the Federal Government with support from the European Union, is aimed at closing opportunity gaps among Nigerian youths by offering work experience, mentorship and career advancement opportunities.
Adegbe disclosed that more than 29,000 young Nigerians have benefited from the programme across the country, helping participants acquire skills and enhance their prospects of obtaining long-term employment.
Meanwhile, Governor Namadi said his administration has generated more than 20,000 jobs within the past three years as part of efforts to boost economic growth and improve living standards.
He stated that over 10,000 people have secured permanent employment in strategic sectors, including health, agriculture, commerce and education.
The governor further revealed that about 9,000 security guards have also been engaged to strengthen security across government ministries, departments and agencies.
The developments underscore ongoing efforts by both the Federal and Jigawa State Governments to broaden access to education, create employment opportunities and empower young Nigerians for a more productive future.
