Olu Samuel

No fewer than one million students have benefited from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) since its establishment by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr.

The development, according to the government, has cost over ₦1.1 billion, while over  160,000 youths have also been trained in digital skills as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen human capital development.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Tuesday during the commissioning of two newly constructed Model Science Secondary Schools in Nagazi, Adavi, and Okebukun in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Areas of Kogi State.

Alausa said the Federal Government is placing greater emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, as well as technical and vocational training and digital literacy, to prepare Nigerian youths for a knowledge-driven economy.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as far-reaching reforms in the education sector, particularly NELFUND, which he said has expanded access to tertiary education financing.

The minister also praised the Managing Director/Chief Executive of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, for effectively implementing the initiative and helping to translate the President’s vision into tangible impact for students across the country.

Alausa further lauded the administration of Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for its commitment to repositioning the education sector.

He described the newly inaugurated schools as evidence of the governor’s visionary leadership and sustained investment in education, noting that Kogi State is setting a strong example in expanding access to quality learning.

According to him, the state has introduced several initiatives, including free education policies, payment of examination fees, and the establishment of three accredited universities.

He also commended the state for allocating over 30 percent of its annual budget to education, surpassing UNESCO’s recommended benchmark.

Speaking at the event, Governor Ododo said the commissioning of the schools marks a major step in strengthening education in the state, adding that his administration remains committed to transforming the sector.

He noted that the facilities, which include 18 classrooms, science laboratories, and a 326-capacity computer-based test centre, reflect the government’s focus on modern learning infrastructure.

The governor also acknowledged President Tinubu’s economic reforms, which he said have improved revenue allocation to states, enabling the execution of key projects.

Ododo further credited former Governor Yahaya Bello for initiating the Mega Schools programme, which laid the foundation for the new developments.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to reducing the number of out-of-school children and improving education standards across the state.

In his remarks, the Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, HRM Dr. Ahmed Tijani-Anaje, commended the government’s efforts, saying the initiative has improved learning conditions and given many schools a new lease of life.

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