UDUS and Sokoto Tertiary Institutions Commend NELFUND and Federal Government for Expanding Higher Education Access

Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), alongside other tertiary institutions in Sokoto State, has commended the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, and the Federal Government for their efforts to expand access to higher education through the student loan scheme.

The commendation was made during a one-day sensitisation and awareness programme held on Friday at the Oba Lamidi Adeyemi Auditorium, UDUS Main Campus. The event was part of NELFUND's nationwide campaign to educate students on the application process, benefits, and repayment structure of the loan programme.

The programme brought together key stakeholders in the education sector, including representatives of tertiary institutions across Sokoto State, student leaders, members of the academic community, officials of the Northern Projects Coordination Office (NPCO), and representatives of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV).

Representing the Vice-Chancellor of UDUS, the Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Umar Usman Zaiyanu, welcomed the NELFUND delegation and expressed appreciation for the Federal Government's commitment to supporting students through the initiative.

“On behalf of the Vice-Chancellor of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, I welcome the Managing Director of NELFUND to the most peaceful university in Nigeria,” he said.

Professor Zaiyanu described the student loan scheme as a significant intervention that would ease the financial burden on students and improve access to quality higher education.

“We sincerely appreciate all the support that is coming through NELFUND and the Federal Government of Nigeria to our students,” he stated.

He also praised UDUS students for their character and academic excellence, noting that the institution places equal emphasis on academic achievement and moral values.

“Our students are well-known as students of good character because we do not only lecture them; we also encourage them to uphold values that make them excel beyond the university environment,” he said.

Addressing the students, the dean urged them to remain focused on their studies and uphold high moral standards.

“You are the leaders of tomorrow. Among you are future directors, ministers, governors and other leaders. Read hard and maintain good character because UDUS students continue to distinguish themselves through their excellent conduct wherever they go,” he added.

The event also featured presentations on the NELFUND application process and interactive sessions where students sought clarification on various aspects of the loan scheme.