The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Students’ Engagements, Sunday Asefon, has praised the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for its role in reducing poverty, illiteracy, and school dropout rates among Nigerian youth. Asefon, a former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), noted that over N100 billion has been allocated to provide soft loans, making university education more accessible to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Asefon made this statement on Saturday while distributing free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms to 500 indigenes of Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital. He emphasized that the initiative would enable underprivileged students to participate in the upcoming Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
During the event, Asefon announced that five of the top-performing beneficiaries in the UTME would receive scholarships for tertiary education, sponsored by President Tinubu’s son, Mr. Seyi Tinubu. Additionally, other high-performing students would be rewarded with laptops to encourage academic excellence.
He reiterated that President Tinubu views education as a key tool for both personal and national development, which is why NELFUND was established to provide student loans. He emphasized that the initiative is a strategic investment in the future of Nigerian students and a step toward strengthening the nation’s progress.
“This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ensuring that no deserving Nigerian youth is denied access to education due to financial constraints,” Asefon stated.
He also commended stakeholders who continue to support student welfare and education, stressing the collective responsibility to create academic opportunities for young Nigerians. He reassured students of his commitment to championing their educational needs and advocating for policies that prioritize student welfare.
Asefon, a native of Ado Ekiti and an alumnus of Ekiti State University, revealed that 50 of the JAMB forms would be distributed to SS3 students of Ado Grammar School, his alma mater, while the remaining 450 forms would be allocated to students from Ado Local Government.
Reflecting on his personal background, Asefon shared how his late mother sold personal belongings to purchase a JAMB form for him, which enabled him to gain admission into Ekiti State University.
“If my mother could make such sacrifices for me, there is nothing wrong in me purchasing free JAMB forms to help others achieve their dreams,” he said. “Today, we have NELFUND, an interest-free education loan. If such an opportunity had existed earlier, many students wouldn’t have dropped out due to financial challenges.”
Encouraging the students, Asefon urged them to remain focused on their studies, emphasizing that with determination and commitment, they could achieve great heights. He highlighted that future success should be accompanied by a willingness to give back to society.
“In ten years, many of you will be employers of labor. Ensure that when you succeed, you contribute positively to society,” he advised. “Do not let your background define your future; with determination, you can become a governor or even the president of this country.”
Asefon also assured the students that his scholarship and support initiatives would expand in subsequent years, based on their academic performance.
“This initiative is purely aimed at supporting academically gifted but financially disadvantaged students in their pursuit of higher education. It is not driven by politics but by the need to invest in the future of our youth,” he concluded.
