By Sani Idris Abdulrahman
Student leaders of Kaduna State University (KASU) have commended President Bola Tinubu for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a lifeline for many students.
The student leaders made the commendation on Friday in Kaduna during a Democracy day celebration programme organised by student union leaders across Northern Nigeria.
The event had the theme, “Thank You President Tinubu for Making Democracy Work for Students”.
It was organised in collaboration with the Northern Projects Coordination Office (NPCO), NELFUND and PI-CNG&EV.
Speaking at the event, Sumayya Sani, Executive President of the Student Representative Council (SRC), KASU, said the initiative had significantly eased students’ financial burdens.
Sani, a medical student, said the monthly upkeep allowance and school fees support had enabled many beneficiaries to remain focused on their studies.
According to her, students have become increasingly dependent on the support because of its positive impact on their welfare and academic activities.
She expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for introducing the scheme and called for more student-friendly policies and interventions.
Sani also commended Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, for reducing tuition fees in the state-owned university.
She said the reduction helped curb student dropouts and improved access to higher education.
The SRC president disclosed that about 6,000 KASU students had benefited from NELFUND as of three months ago, while many others were still processing their applications.
She added that the N20,000 monthly allowance had been particularly helpful to medical students who often had limited opportunities to engage in income-generating activities.
Also speaking, Clinton Duniya, a 500-level Medical Radiography student and SRC Public Relations Officer, described NELFUND as a seamless initiative.
Duniya said the programme had helped many students remain in school without worrying about financial challenges.
He noted that the scheme had enabled beneficiaries to concentrate on their education and achieve better academic outcomes.
According to him, democracy day remains significant because it promotes representation and inclusive governance for Nigerians.
Halima Yahaya, President of the Nigerian Universities Education Students Association, KASU chapter, also lauded the initiative.
She said many students facing financial difficulties had found relief through the loan scheme and monthly upkeep allowance.
Yahaya added that beneficiaries used the support for transportation, feeding and other essential needs, making campus life more manageable.
Similarly, Ibrahim Ahmadu, a 500-level Nursing student and SRC Secretary-General, described NELFUND as transformative.
He said the intervention enabled him to complete payment of his school fees and reduced the stress associated with meeting daily needs.
Ahmadu expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for implementing a programme that directly addressed students’ educational and welfare challenges.
Earlier, Hamza Fagge, ICT staff of NPCO, said the programme was organised to commemorate democracy day and showcase government interventions for students.
Fagge said the event also aimed to educate students and the public on the significance of June 12 in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
He urged students to see themselves as future leaders and actively contribute to national development and democratic growth. (NAN)(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)