Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has praised the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a major intervention that is helping to expand access to higher education for Nigerian students.
The governor made the remarks on Saturday at the combined second and third convocation ceremony of Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, where 1,104 students graduated from various academic programmes.
Yusuf said the Federal Government’s introduction of NELFUND would provide students and their families with more opportunities to finance tertiary education and reduce the financial challenges that often prevent qualified young Nigerians from pursuing university studies.
“May I also use this opportunity to extend our profound appreciation to the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for its immense support for the education sector, particularly through the introduction of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND),” he said.
“This important initiative provides students and parents with greater opportunities to finance education across Nigerian tertiary institutions and represents a significant step towards expanding access to higher education.”
The governor urged the graduating students to use the knowledge and skills acquired during their studies to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the nation.
He also commended the management and staff of Al-Istiqama University for their role in expanding access to higher education and supporting human capital development in Kano State.
According to him, investment in education remains critical to achieving sustainable development, economic growth and social progress.
Yusuf encouraged the graduands to uphold integrity, discipline and the values they acquired during their time at the university, while embracing innovation, entrepreneurship and lifelong learning.
Earlier, the Proprietor of the university and Senator representing Kano South, Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, said the institution was deliberately established in a rural community to expand access to quality higher education and reduce rural-to-urban migration.
He explained that many young people leave rural areas in search of educational opportunities in cities, a trend he said places pressure on urban infrastructure and economic resources.
“By bringing a university of international standards directly to this rural area, we are reversing that trend, and we are proving that higher education and economic opportunity can thrive in local communities,” he said.
Sumaila added that the university was helping to empower local youths, stimulate economic activities and create opportunities for community development.
He described the institution as a project driven by the vision of expanding access to quality and value-based higher education while promoting academic excellence and character development.
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