The Presidency has reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to equipping Nigerian students and youths with the skills, knowledge and opportunities needed to compete effectively in the global economy.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students’ Engagement, Hon. Sunday Asefon, made this known on Friday during the Renewed Hope Student Leaders’ Engagement and Digital Acceleration Programme for the North Central Zone, held at the Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The programme brought together student leaders, representatives of vice-chancellors, deans of student affairs, officials of the Federal Ministry of Education, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), and students from tertiary institutions across the North Central geopolitical zone.
Speaking at the event, Asefon said the initiative reflects the Tinubu administration’s resolve to invest in young Nigerians through education, digital innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership development.
According to him, the Renewed Hope Agenda recognises that Nigeria’s future depends on the quality, resilience and capacity of its youths, stressing that students are not merely leaders of tomorrow but active partners in nation-building today.
He explained that the engagement was designed to strengthen collaboration between the Federal Government and students while exposing participants to digital skills that would prepare them for emerging opportunities in the global economy.
“The digital revolution has transformed the world, and Nigeria must not be left behind. Artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, software development, digital marketing and other emerging technologies are creating unprecedented opportunities for young people,” Asefon said.
He added that his office would continue to champion initiatives that expose students to emerging technologies, innovation, digital entrepreneurship and leadership development.
“We want every Nigerian student to become a creator of opportunities, not just a seeker of opportunities,” he said.
Asefon also urged student leaders to maximise the engagement and networking opportunities while promoting excellence, integrity, dialogue and peaceful coexistence across their campuses.
Reaffirming his office’s commitment to Nigerian students, he pledged sustained engagement and the creation of platforms that would empower them academically, economically and socially. He further commended President Tinubu for prioritising education through reforms and investments aimed at expanding access to quality education and strengthening Nigeria’s human capital.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, disclosed that more than 850,000 Nigerian students have benefited from the Federal Government’s student loan scheme, with total disbursements reaching ₦303 billion within two years.
According to Sawyerr, the scheme has received over one million applications, describing it as a landmark intervention that has removed financial barriers preventing many Nigerians from accessing higher education.
He explained that President Tinubu introduced the initiative to ensure that no qualified Nigerian is denied access to education due to financial constraints.
“The President has made the funds available. If you qualify, you do not need to know anybody to access the loan. The process is completely digital, transparent and merit-based,” he said.
Sawyerr encouraged students across the North Central Zone to apply through the official online platform, noting that eligible applicants only require their personal and academic details, including their Bank Verification Number (BVN), JAMB registration number and matriculation number.
He also commended Asefon for serving as a bridge between the Federal Government and Nigerian students and for supporting the successful implementation of the student loan programme.
Also speaking, the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, represented by the Director of University Education, Dr. Kareem Olawale Lateef, said the student loan initiative underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to preparing Nigerian students for leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship and the digital economy.
He noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda is focused on producing a generation of highly skilled young Nigerians capable of driving national development and competing globally.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Lafia, Prof. Muhammad Isa Kida, described the programme as another demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to student development and engagement.
He commended students for their discipline and urged them to shun activities capable of undermining their future, while taking full advantage of government initiatives designed to prepare them for leadership and national development.
