Senior Special Assistant on Students’ Engagement to the President, Comrade Sunday Asefon, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and establishing new universities aimed at transforming the nation’s tertiary education system.
Speaking in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday, Asefon expressed gratitude to the President for approving the establishment of the University of Environmental Sciences and Technology, Iyin Ekiti, alongside five other new tertiary institutions across the country. He made the commendation during the distribution of food palliatives and cash gifts to around 700 Christians from 13 wards of Ado Ekiti Local Government as part of the Renewed Hope Food Initiative.
Asefon also acknowledged the unwavering support of President Tinubu and his son, Seyi Tinubu, for Nigerian students through interest-free education loans and substantial scholarship programs, which have collectively disbursed billions of Naira to thousands of beneficiaries.
Highlighting his commitment to supporting education and welfare, Asefon revealed that he recently distributed 500 free JAMB forms to students, as well as cash gifts to widows, the elderly, and individuals of various religious backgrounds. According to him, this gesture underscores the unity of Nigerians regardless of faith or affiliation.
“Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated his dedication to making education accessible for students,” Asefon stated. “For the first time since independence, students can obtain interest-free loans to fund their tertiary education, with repayment commencing only after they secure employment. This has alleviated the financial burden on parents who would otherwise resort to high-interest loans.”
Asefon emphasized that the NELFUND is open to all students, regardless of connections to people in positions of authority. He also commended Tinubu for maintaining a stable academic environment by preventing strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), thereby boosting Nigerian universities’ global rankings.
Meanwhile, the Acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Hon. Sola Elesin, urged Ekiti citizens holding federal positions to follow Asefon’s example by extending support to grassroots communities. He encouraged continuous backing for President Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji in their efforts to foster economic and social transformation.
“As a party, we are committed to honesty and progress,” Elesin said. “Supporting initiatives that alleviate poverty and improve livelihoods is essential to building a prosperous society.”
The event was marked by widespread appreciation from beneficiaries, who applauded the initiative as a testament to the government’s dedication to community welfare and education.
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