President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revealed that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund(NELFUND) has disbursed over ₦104 billion in loans to more than 600,000 students studying in tertiary institutions across the country.
Tinubu disclosed this in his keynote address at the 42nd Founders’ Day and the 33rd convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Technology,(FUT), Minna, Saturday at the University campus, Gidan Kwano.
The Director of Universities, Federal Ministry of Education, Rakiya Gambo Ilyasu, said this while standing in for the Minister of Education Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event.
Tinubu said the graduates emerging from FUT Minna represent hope for the nation as the graduates are bright minds who will drive the development of Nigeria through innovation and global competitiveness.
He reassured that financial challenges do not hinder access to quality education, saying that in the 2025 budget, his administration allocated ₦940.5 billion to TETFund, a testament to the commitment of the Federal Government to improving educational infrastructure and manpower.
“We remain resolute in addressing challenges in the education sector, including ensuring industrial harmony in universities. Steps such as the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement with university staff unions and the resolution of salary issues demonstrate our determination to foster stability in higher education,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu commended the Governing Council, Management, and staff of FUT Minna for their unwavering dedication to delivering quality education and fulfilling the university’s mandate as a specialized institution.
He added that their efforts in introducing relevant programs of study reflect their commitment to national development, and assured the university management of the Federal Government continued support.
“To our graduates, this is a time to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. You have been equipped with knowledge and skills to innovate and contribute to society. Let integrity, resilience, and purpose guide your endeavors. Aspire to greatness, avoid vices, and make Nigeria proud,” Tinubu said.
“As we work to strengthen our economy and security, we are creating an environment where you can thrive and realize your potential.
Let us remain united in our shared vision of a prosperous, united, and resilient Nigeria.”
He urged universities to deepen collaborations with industries to align research with societal needs, ensuring that the education system contributes meaningfully to national development.
Earlier, Niger State governor, Muhammad Umaru Bago, called on FUT Minna to continue to take a leadership role in terms of training and innovative research while advocating stronger ties with the government to ensure it sustains itself through agriculture.
He announced the donation of N100m to an endowment fund created by Senator Muhammad Sani Musa who also donated N200m.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council FUT Minna, Dr. Mohammed Santuraki, in his remarks, acknowledged the developmental strides of Bago and described the honorary award given to him as well deserved.
He used the medium to call on the graduates to conduct themselves with integrity and diligence and channel their knowledge and skills towards contributing positively to Nigeria’s socio-economic development and the global community.
Vice Chancellor FUT Minna, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, described the event as historical as the Institution is celebrating four decades of excellence in Science, engineering, technology, and innovation saying, that FUT Minna has grown to be a leading Institution in technological education in Nigeria with its recent ranking as 8th best University in Nigeria and 2nd in the list of specialized Universities in Nigeria.
He reiterated that the university will not compromise on the standard it is known for and acknowledged the support of the Farmer Governor especially in his intervention in providing hostel accommodation for students.
A total of 5,816 graduates emerged from the 2023/2024 academic session of the Federal University of Technology Minna comprising 4,955 undergraduates,632 Master graduates,105 postgraduate Diplomas, and 124 PhD.
Bago was conferred with the award of a doctorate degree in Agriculture by the university alongside the Governor of Kaduna State, Sen. Uba Sani, who was conferred with a doctorate degree in entrepreneurship, while the Senator representing Niger East, Sen. Muhammad Sani Musa, was conferred with a doctorate degree in technology.
