FUTIA VC Calls for Stronger ICT Infrastructure in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi (FUTIA), Professor Leo Daniel, has called for increased intervention by governments at all levels and relevant stakeholders to strengthen Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

Professor Daniel made the call while speaking at the National Sensitisation Programme on the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), organised by the National Assembly Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund and hosted by the University of Uyo on Monday, August 24, 2026.

The programme, held at the 1,000-Seater TETFund Auditorium of the University of Uyo Main Campus, Nwaniba Road, Uyo, had the theme, “Expanding Access to Higher Education through Sustainable Student Financing.”

The event brought together members of the National Assembly, management teams of tertiary institutions in the South-South region, representatives of state governments, student leaders and other stakeholders in the education sector to deepen awareness of NELFUND and promote wider access to sustainable student financing.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Dandutse Muntari Mohammed, who chaired the occasion, called for sustained stakeholder engagement and increased awareness of the NELFUND scheme to ensure that eligible Nigerian students benefit fully from the Federal Government’s student financing initiative.

Senator Muntari said the sensitisation programme was part of efforts to ensure that the student loan initiative was properly understood and effectively utilised across tertiary institutions.

He noted that engaging stakeholders across the six geopolitical zones would enhance awareness, strengthen institutional collaboration and expand access to higher education financing for Nigerian students.

The lawmaker also stressed the need for beneficiaries to understand both the opportunities provided under NELFUND and their responsibilities, particularly loan repayment, which he described as essential to the long-term sustainability of the scheme.

A paper titled “Addressing the High Unemployment Paradox in Repayments of NELFUND Loans” was presented by the Director of Human Resources, NELFUND, Dr. Zino Ugboma.

The paper examined the relationship between graduate unemployment and repayment of NELFUND loans, stressing the importance of employment opportunities and sustainable livelihoods in enabling beneficiaries to meet their repayment obligations.

Dr. Ugboma disclosed that the Federal Government had committed substantial funds to the NELFUND scheme for disbursement to eligible students, while calling on university managements to ensure transparent and effective implementation of the programme.

A panel discussion also featured prominently at the event, providing stakeholders with an opportunity to examine issues surrounding student financing, the sustainability of the NELFUND scheme, graduate employment and challenges associated with loan repayment.

The panel was moderated by Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, a member of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund.

Other panellists included Senator Anthony Ani; the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi (FUTIA), Professor Leo Daniel; the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), represented by Comrade Usen Johnson; and the Students’ Union President of the University of Uyo, Comrade Utibe Afia.

Goodwill messages were also received from the governors of the three South-South states.

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Umoh; the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, was represented by his Executive Assistant, Dr. Okoh Ezekiel Oghene-Tega; while the Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Otu, was represented by his Special Assistant on Student Affairs, Comrade Kelvin Enyia.

Members of the Senate Committee in attendance included Senators Pam Mwadkon, Plang Diket, Rev. Amos Yohanna, Kelvin Chukwu and Tony Nwoye.

The Senator representing Eket Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State, Distinguished Senator Ekong Sampson, also attended the programme, while the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Professor Christopher Ekong, made remarks as the chief host of the National Sensitisation Programme.

The event attracted other dignitaries, including the Paramount Ruler of Uyo Local Government Area, HRM Edidem Sylvanus Okon, JP, members of the Uyo Traditional Rulers Council and other stakeholders in the education sector.

Other members of the FUTIA delegation to the event included the Acting Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr. Columbus Udofot; the NELFUND Desk Officer, Mrs. Itoro Frank; Information and Public Relations Officers of the University, Peter Saturday and Samuel Ekong; as well as some students of the University led by the Chairman of the FUTIA Students’ Representatives Council, Comrade Alfred Peter.