The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has praised the country’s student loan scheme as a groundbreaking initiative for Nigerian youth, urging the Catholic Church to act as the “conscience of the state” in pushing for transparent governance.

Speaking at the first plenary meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria for 2026, Akume highlighted the scheme’s impact, quoting its role in uplifting education access.

“If you intervene in the area of education, you are doing good for the people of your country,” he said

“Many people couldn’t go to the universities because they couldn’t pay. Some students cannot afford 25,000 to pay for University education.”

He described the programme—under, which students receive loans to complete degrees and repay after employment—as “a novelty in Africa.”

Over ₦665bn (£320m) has been disbursed so far, with six countries studying the model.

“When we do something good for ourselves, we have to celebrate,” Akume added, noting its role in improving living standards and creating jobs, even as Nigeria grapples with youth unemployment and a booming population.

Akume, addressing Bishops including several Archbishops and metropolitan sees, invoked Martin Luther’s idea of the church as the state’s moral compass.

“Your pastoral letters and communities have often articulated the collective conscience of the nation,” he said.

“They have challenged public office holders to impress more transparency and accountability and servant leadership.”

The SGF reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to partnering with the church, which runs vast networks of schools, hospitals and social services. He cited a Yoruba doctor’s pioneering US surgery—removing and replacing a two-week-old fetus—as evidence of Nigerian excellence abroad, urging pride in such achievements.

On security and cohesion, SGF Akume commended the church’s interfaith efforts amid banditry and unrest.

“Nigeria’s strength lies in our diversity, and we must continue to build bridges of understanding, rather than walls of suspicion,” he said.

The Federal Government, he added, remains focused on economic reforms, institutional strengthening and social protections, calling the church’s prayers “invaluable” during this “transformation that requires patience, sacrifice and collective effort.”

SGF Akume also commended their “steadfast leadership” and praying for a “fruitful and grace-filled” meeting to bolster evangelisation and national stability.

The event is an indication of the deepening ties between Nigeria’s government and religious bodies, as Tinubu’s administration navigates reforms two years into its term.