The introduction of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has rejuvenated the educational system and provided opportunities to less privileged families in the country.
The Vice-Chancellor of Sokoto State University (SSU), Prof. Bello Yarima, stated this in an interview with newsmen on Thursday in Sokoto.
According to Yarima, SSU is witnessing a transformation in its academic landscape as more students access loans under NELFUND, a development that eases financial constraints and expands access to higher education.
He said the initiative assisted students from Sokoto State and beyond with tuition as well as other academic expenses.
“The combined support from NELFUND and the state government has significantly reduced the financial burden on students and families, encouraging wider participation in higher education,” Yarima said.
He highlighted major infrastructure projects embarked upon by the visitor, Gov. Ahmad Aliyu, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TetFund), and Sen. Aliyu Wamakko, which had facilitated growth in the institution.
The VC said Wamakko was constructing a state-of-the-art library, which would improve research, learning, and digital access for students and lecturers.
Yarima revealed that Gov. Aliyu was committed to completing the university’s Teaching Hospital and College of Health Sciences, paving the way for studying medicine and other health-related courses.
He commended the state government for initiating renovation of staff quarters and planed to establish primary and secondary schools on campus to benefit the university community and nearby rural settlements.
The vice-chancellor also noted that nearly 90 per cent of female students were accommodated on campus, providing safety and convenience.
Yarima said the state government’s support, national education financing, and infrastructure development were positioning the university as a growing centre of academic excellence in Nigeria.