In a statement Published Tuesday 12 March, 2025 by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, the Governor emphasized that this engagement marks a turning point in addressing the pressing challenges in Nigeria's education sector, and also serves as a crucial platform for collaboration among key stakeholders.
According to Mutfwang, fostering partnerships between the government and educational institutions will pave the way for innovative solutions to enhance access to quality education for all students.
Reflecting on the broader impact of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Mutfwang shared his optimism, saying, “this Act by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to introduce Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), has democratized access to education. Not only has it democratized education, but it has also boosted the economy of communities that host students. It’s amazing!”
Highlighting the role of technology, the Governor also addressed the importance of ensuring that the digital divide does not hinder students’ ability to access education funds. He promised that "since this is ICT-driven, we need to democratize access to ICT so that students can apply. We’ll do our best to facilitate that, and the Plateau Information Technology Development Agency, PICTDA, will be liaising with all the tertiary institutions to simplify the process for students,”.
The Governor’s commitment to seeing tangible outcomes was also evident in his remarks about the impact of the funding at the University of Jos. According to him, he will "go to UniJos and see what 900 million naira is doing in that community. I’m sure if 900 million cycle through the university, there should be noticeable improvements in economic activity. I want to urge those of us attending the technical sessions to see this as a responsibility to create opportunities for our teeming students to benefit from this initiative,”.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer,Nigerian Education Loan Fund NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyer, intimated Governor Mutfwang that NELFUND is particularly important as it seeks to provide financial support to students by enabling them to pursue their academic goals without the burden of financial constraints.
"This programme", he explained, "is not just to uplift Nigerians individually, but to uplift the nation, to uplift this country and take it to its rightful place in the commity of Nations. Education will make us more competitive. It will bring us dignity, it will bring us respect".
By supporting education, the government is investing in the future of Nigeria, equipping the next generation with the skills and knowledge needed to drive growth and development, Sawyer added.
In her remarks, Plateau State Hon. Commissioner of Education, Dr. Kachollom Gang, applauded the strides recorded by Governor Mutfwang in making education accessible with the acceptance of the Students Education Loan facility to citizens.
She said "let us collaborate to make education not merely a privilege but the right of every Nigerian. Together, through NELFUND, we can create pathways for a brighter and more productive future for our young people and the nation", adding that "the opportunity is here and the time is now. Let us take advantage of it. Let us pass the word around. Help has come".
The NELFUND Stakeholders Committee Engagement intends to elaborate on the application process and requirements to heads of institutions towards enlightening students on how to apply and access funds for their education. So far, the University of Jos is the 3rd Federal University to have accessed 900 million naira by students for their education.
Thirteen tertiary institutions participated in the exercise with Vice Chancellors of Federal and State Universities and Heads of tertiary institutions in attendance.
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