• ‘Investment flowing from Brazil, Belarus, Saudi into agric sector’
British High Commissioner Dr. Richard Montgomery has said the reforms President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration are increasingly making Nigeria accessible for foreign investors.
Montgomery, who spoke during a briefing on the United Kingdom’s new Economic Growth Agenda, said there is a great prospect of inflation reducing in the coming months, given the level of work ongoing, including bank reforms.
He spoke in the company of the Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu and British Country Director, Department for Business, Mr Mark Smithson.
Montgomery agreed with the World Bank’s recent economic outlook.
He said: “Now, the UK sees growing opportunities in Nigeria for a combination of reasons, but the main ones are the exciting economic reforms underway, so let me turn to those. And I’ve been very public previously about commending the big and bold economic reforms being taken forward by His Excellency, the President, Bola Tinubu.
“We all know about the abolition of the fuel subsidy and the unification of the exchange rate system.
“These economic reforms are paying off, and these economic reforms are now making Nigeria more investable. And I realise that some of these reforms for ordinary people are painful.
“Inflation is still high, it’s in the 20 per cent region, the mid-twenties, and it’s going to take time to bring that rate down, but we can see very good prospects for that rate coming down in the coming months and years.”
On the recent World Bank economic update on Nigeria, Montgomery said: “We agree with the report, the main messages of which are that the Naira is now more stable and predictability enables investment. Foreign exchange reserves are up, significantly up, so that makes Nigeria less risky.”
In a confirmation of the British High Commissioners assessment, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu said investments into the Agriculture sector are flowing from Brazil, Belarus and Saudi Arabia.
Also yesterday, Vice-President Kashim Shettima said the difficult but very crucial decisions taken by President Tinubu are targeted at engineering an economy that works for all Nigerians.
He spoke during the 15th Mechanical Engineering Distinguished Lecture (MEDL), held at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
The Vice-President said the administration is taking accurate measurements of revenues, deficits and prospects to move the nation forward.
He likened the art of governance to the dexterity of engineers who work with machines and structures to transform theories into measurable outcomes.
“The President himself is a man of numbers. An accountant extraordinaire, a thinker grounded in the discipline of evidence, and a leader governed by the clarity of facts.
“He understands the peril of building policies on the sands of assumption.
“He knows, as you do, that the nation cannot move forward without accurate measurement of its revenues, its deficits, and its prospects.”
Bagudu said that Nigeria’s economy is on a promising rebound, owing to bold reforms spearheaded by the Tinubu Administration.
In a wide-ranging interview for an upcoming television documentary marking President Tinubu’s second year in office, Bagudu described the period as “two years well spent,” marked by growth, stability, and a growing wave of investor optimism, both at home and abroad.
“Mr. President confronted Nigeria’s economic realities with bold and necessary choices—tough as they might be—and those measures are now yielding results,” the minister stated.
In a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Bagudu cited four consecutive quarters of economic growth, stability in the foreign exchange market, and renewed private sector confidence as evidence of a reform agenda that is taking hold.
“We have seen investors from Brazil, Belarus, and Saudi Arabia increasingly entering our agricultural space. The world economic community and multilateral institutions are putting more faith in our economy,” he said.
According to the minister, key to this turnaround has been the administration’s firm commitment to transparency, policy credibility, and structural reform, elements he described as essential for rebuilding trust in Nigeria’s economic direction.
“For the first time in 25 years, Nigeria is refining oil,” he noted, highlighting President Tinubu’s decision to allow domestic crude oil sales in naira to local refiners as a bold step toward energy independence and economic nationalism.
He also lauded the removal of the costly fuel subsidy regime and the unification of the foreign exchange market as landmark reforms that restored fiscal discipline and market confidence.
“We were losing five per cent of our GDP on fuel subsidy—money going to just a few. Mr. President took the courageous step to end it”, he said.
The minister emphasised that the foreign exchange reforms had ended long-standing distortions and favouritism in the system.
“We now have a fair market—willing buyer, willing seller—which has generated revenue growth and boosted private sector confidence,” he added.
On the fiscal front, Bagudu said the 2024 and 2025 budgets reflect a deliberate balance between prudent spending and strategic investments in critical sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, security, and technology.
“The 2024 budget achieved significant deficit reduction, and more importantly, it showed that we are serious—and the markets believed us,” he said.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has said it would reschedule 379,997 candidates affected by technical glitches in the five states of the South East and Lagos to retake the Unified Tertiary and Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, made this known in an ongoing press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said, “206,610 in 65 centres were affected in Lagos and 92 centres in the Owerri zone comprising 173,387 candidates in the five states of the South East were affected.”
Oloyede, who took responsibility for what he described as a “sabotage” of the 2025 UTME, said the affected candidates will start getting text messages from the Board starting Thursday.
He added, “The affected candidates will start getting text messages for rescheduling starting from tomorrow.
“I apologise, I take full responsibility.”
Of the 1.9 million candidates who sat the UTME, over 1.5 million reportedly scored below 200 out of the maximum 400 marks, raising concerns across the education sector.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has admitted to errors that impacted the performance of candidates in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The Board’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, made the disclosure on Wednesday during a press briefing in Abuja.
“What should have been a moment of joy has changed due to one or two errors,” Oloyede stated.
The UTME, which is a key gateway into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, assesses candidates in four subjects, including the compulsory Use of English and three others based on the student’s chosen field.
Out of the 1.9 million candidates who sat for the exam, more than 1.5 million scored below 200 out of the total 400 marks — a result that has sparked widespread concern in the education sector.
According to JAMB, 1,955,069 results were processed. Of this figure, only 4,756 candidates (0.24%) scored 320 and above, while 7,658 candidates (0.39%) scored between 300 and 319, bringing the total number of candidates who scored 300 and above to just 12,414 (0.63%).
A further breakdown showed 73,441 candidates (3.76%) scored between 250 and 299, while 334,560 (17.11%) scored between 200 and 249.
The majority 983,187 candidates (50.29%) scored between 160 and 199, which is often considered the minimum threshold for admission in many tertiary institutions.
Additionally, 488,197 (24.97%) scored between 140 and 159; 57,419 (2.94%) scored between 120 and 139; 3,820 (0.20%) scored between 100 and 119; and 2,031 candidates (0.10%) scored below 100.
In total, over 75% of the candidates scored below 200, considered the average mark for an examination graded over 400.
Following the development, some affected candidates have threatened to take legal action against JAMB.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) N1.783 trillion statutory appropriation bill for 2025 on Wednesday scaled second reading in the Senate.
The resolution of the Senate followed an executive communication from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu transmitted to the Senate, which was subsequently passed for first and second reading.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the President’s letter of request seeking the Senate’s consideration and approval of the FCT 2025 Appropriation Bill.
According to Tinubu’s letter, “The objective of the 2025 FCT Statutory Budget is for job creation, youth empowerment, social welfare services, infrastructure, as well as increasing productivity in agriculture.
“Our objective is to lift as many of our citizens out of poverty as we can.”
He said that of a total expenditure of N1,783,823,708,292 proposed for the year 2025, 85% is for capital expenditure, which is dedicated to the completion of ongoing projects, while 15% is for new capital projects.
“This is to sustain the ongoing efforts of providing basic infrastructure and social amenities in the capital territory.”
Former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and lead defence lawyer in the terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB, Kanu Agabi (SAN) has denied report that he and members of his team were denied access to their client on Tuesday by officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja.
Agabi spoke at the resumed hearing in the case on Wednesday while responding to an enquiry by Justice James Omotosho on the information attributed to a member of the defence team, Alloy Ejimakor was true.
According to the judge, Ejimakor posted on one of his social media platforms that the DSS denied Kanu’s legal team access to him.
While responding, Agabi said none of such happened.
He blamed Ejimakor for the mix-up and commended the conduct of the DSS officials whom he said were very respectful and courteous.
Agabi said: “I was not denied access to the defendant. We had arranged to go there with myself, Ikpeazu, Etiaba, Erokoro. But for some reasons, they were not available.
“When I got to the gate around 1pm, they said our name had not arrived. To be fair, they (the DSS officials) showed me enough respect. I said I will come back another date,” he said.
He added that he was surprised and became angry when he learnt that member of his team went to put on the internet that he was not allowed access to the defenfant.
When asked by the judge what informed his decision, Ejimakor said he thought Agabi was angry that he was denied access to Kanu when they spoke on the phone, a position the ex-AGF countered and explained that he got angry because Ejimakor gave him the wrong time for the appointment.
The Envoy, who briefed reporters on the United Kingdom’s new Economic Growth Agenda, also said that there is a great prospect of inflation coming down in the coming months given the level of work ongoing, including bank reforms.
He also agreed with the World Bank recent economic outlook, saying that there is a real uptick in growth.
Lamido asks Federal Govt to pay N45 billion owed Abiola
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday said despite strident criticisms, he would remain focused on his reform programmes, which are already yielding fruits.
He spoke in Abuja during the public presentation of the autobiography of Mallam Sule Lamido.
The 500-page book is entitled: “Being true to myself.”
Dignitaries such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo, among others, graced the occasion.
It was chaired by former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.
Lamido was the Foreign Affairs Minister during Obasanjo’s first term.
He later served as Governor of Jigawa State for two terms.
In the aborted Third Republic, he was the National Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the platform on which the late Chief MKO Abiola contested and won the 1993 presidential election, which was annulled by former military president Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.
The author called on President Tinubu to pay the Abiola family N45 billion owed to the late business mogul, to bring closure to the June 12 matter.
Minister for Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who represented Tinubu, said: “The President welcomes constructive criticism at all times in the spirit of freedom of speech and democratic engagement, but he will also never allow himself to be distracted from doing what is right for Nigeria.
“Are we saying that we are where we need to be and that there isn’t room for more work to be done? Certainly not.
“What we are saying is simple: that President Tinubu has demonstrated uncommon audacity and vision to set Nigeria on the path of true growth and development.
“After a somewhat rocky start, owing to the toughness of the inevitable reforms, we are now entering an era of intended beneficial outcomes, underlined by macroeconomic stability.”
On national security, Idris assured that President Tinubu is leaving no stone unturned in his efforts to protect Nigerians and the nation’s territorial integrity from terrorist elements.
He also applauded the military and other security agencies involved in the anti-terror war for not disappointing the country.
Idris said the Tax Bills, initiated by the President, are aimed at growing revenues for governments at all levels to foster national development, while also not imposing additional burdens on taxpayers.
The President congratulated Lamido, saying that the book is an important contribution to Nigeria’s political literature and democratic discourse.
He said the book presented Lamido’s reputation as a principled and blunt politician and a statesman.
“This is not merely the unveiling of a book. It is the celebration of a life defined by courage, consistency, and commitment to democratic ideals.
“Sule Lamido, though a staunch member of the political opposition and often a critic of the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), remains one of the strong pillars of Nigeria’s political evolution,” he stressed.
The President recommended the book to students, scholars, journalists, and politicians, saying that they would “find it instructive for many years”.
‘Pay Abiola family N45b’
Lamido urged the Federal Government to pay the N45 billion debt owed to Abiola, saying it would close the June 12 chapter in national history.
He said: “I want to appeal to President Tinubu to finally close the chapter of June 12.
“When (General) Murtala (Muhammed) died, Abiola came in with a claim that he was owed, I think, about N45billion for contracts executed by International Telephone and Telecommunication (ITT) – a company owned by Abiola, for the Ministry of Communications.
“The military high command at that time said no.
“He went round the Emirs in the North to lobby, and the Emirs asked that they (military) should please pay the money.
“They (military) said they cancelled the June 12 elections because if they made him President, he would take his money and the country would become bankrupt.
“Those who were close to Abacha should know this, because Abacha was then one of the big shots; they were all aware.
“In his book, General Ibrahim Babangida acknowledged that Abiola won the election. When I visited him, he also confirmed that Abiola is owed N45 billion.
“He (Abiola) was doubly punished: first, denied the presidency; second, denied what is owed to him.”
Lamido urged Idris to deliver the message.
He said: “Please, tell the President to pay the Abiola family the N45 billion. Once this is done, the June 12 chapter will be closed. It is very important.”
Gen. Abubakar described the book as “another valuable addition” to the growing list of books written by key players and actors in politics and governance.
Abubakar, who was represented by Attaihru Jega, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), said Lamido tried to record his life account “forthrightly and passionately”.
“As good autobiographies are expected to do, he has given us, the readers, a rich personal account of his life, offering us a unique perspective on his background, experiences, challenges, triumphs, and post-factual reflections and analysis,” he said.
Noting that the book was full of insights and wisdom, Abubakar said the author navigated his childhood memories, career path, life trajectory, and personal lessons from his private and public relations.
“Alhaji Sule Lamido deserves commendation for this contribution.
“He made a courageous effort to put pen to paper in the tedious process of producing a book worthy of the name.”
Obasanjo, who wrote the foreword to the book, recalled how he picked Lamido as minister during his first tenure as president.
He said he appointed him as a minister despite not knowing him personally, adding that the former governor has an “admirable character”.
Obasanjo said Lamido did a magnificent job when he was minister.
He stressed: “Such a magnificent job, that within the three years of our coming to government, the Queen of Britain and the Queen of the Commonwealth actually came to Nigeria to participate in the CHOGM.
“And that was actually the greatest indication that we had been accepted—no matter what the past was.
“We had been accepted by the international community, in Africa, in the Commonwealth, in the United Nations, and everywhere.”
Hashim hails Lamido, calls for value-based politics
Former presidential candidate and long-time political associate of Lamido, Gbenga Olawepo Hashim, described the author as “a man of deep convictions, integrity, and a true patriot whose life reflects the ideals Nigeria desperately needs today.”
Hashim emphasised that while wealth and status may fade, character remains the lasting hallmark of leadership.
“Money will fade away, but character and integrity will remain. Sule Lamido embodies these enduring values. He has remained true to his principles and to the nation,” he said.
Recalling their decade-long relationship, Hashim offered rare insight into their shared political history.
He said: “President Obasanjo said he met Lamido in 1999, but I have known him for over 30 years. We stood side by side during the struggle against military rule.
“On the day the PDP was founded, we drove together to Minna in his car, driven not by ambition, but by a shared vision for Nigeria.
“Nigeria needs this kind of example—leaders who are consistent, tested, and rooted in service. This is how we can chart a new and credible path forward.”
Other dignitaries at the ceremony were former National Security Adviser, Gen. Aliyu Gusau; Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi; former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi; former Senate Presidents Ken Nnamani and Anyim Pius Anyim; former Vice President Namadi Sambo, Chairman of Northern Governors Forum, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, and Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State, Prof. Umar Pate.
Yesterday’s defection of three Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators from Kebbi State into the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken the ruling party’s majority to 68 members in the Red Chamber.
The three senators – Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North) and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) – dumped their party for the APC at plenary.
The trio on Friday visited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Villa in Abuja to finalise the defection plan.
But the PDP in Kebbi State chapter said the exit of the senators would in no way affect its fortune in the Northwest State.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kebbi State has said that the defection of the senators will not reduce its strength or prospects in the state.
They are the latest lawmakers to dump the main opposition party for the APC.
The defections reduced the number of PDP senators to 30.
Trailing the PDP is the Labour Party (LP) with five senators, Social Democratic Party (SDP) with two members. The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have one senator apiece.
Two seats from Edo and Anambra are vacant following the election of Monday Okpebholo (Edo Central) as governor and the demise of Anambra South Senator Ifeanyi Mbah.
Aliero, a former minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and onetime governor of the state, in a letter read on the floor of the Senate, said his decision followed “deep reflection, extensive consultations and careful assessment” of the political and socio-economic realities of the country and his constituency.
“I have made the decision to formally resign my membership of the PDP and rejoin the APC, of which I was a founding member.
“Politics must never be about personal loyalty to a platform. It will always be about service, solutions and results.
“The PDP has become disconnected from the aspirations of the very Nigerians it seeks to lead,” he said, blaming the party’s internal divisions and lack of ideological clarity.
He expressed renewed confidence in the APC’s leadership, describing it as “a more viable platform through which I can effectively serve my constituents.”
Senator Abdullahi, former Senate Leader and Senator Maidoki echoed similar sentiments.
Abdullahi in his letter, described his return to the APC as a “homecoming,” noting that the issues that led to his initial exit from the party in 2022 had been resolved by the current the governor.
“I believe it is in the best interest of the constituency that I represent to take this step. It is politically imperative for me to join President Bola Tinubu by providing my legislative knowledge and experience to support the efforts that the President is making in reinventing Nigeria.”
Reacting to the defections, the leadership of the Senate dismissed arguments that members of the opposition were moving to the ruling APC to avoid prosecution or for other sinister interests.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Edo North Senator Adams Oshiomhole, in their separate comments, noted that such defections are not strange in a democratic setting.
Bamidele said: “No one is being coerced. If anyone will be coerced, definitely it is not Senator Aliero, it is not Prof Yahaya Abdulahi that will be coerced. Neither is it Senator Maidoki who had also made a mark at the private sector before he came into politics to replicate the same feat.”
The Deputy Senate President who congratulated President Tinubu and the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, who was present at the Red Chamber to witness the defections, described the influx of defectors into the ruling party as an indication that both the President and the party chairman are working well.
He said: “Let me congratulate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for this very big gain by the ruling party. Congratulation also goes to the national chairman of the party for this gain. Of course, he and the President have been working together and we have seen the results in the number of people coming to the party.
“It’s just a sign that the government is doing well and that’s why people are attracted because of the performance of the government.
“So, all we need to tell Mr. President is that we commend what he’s doing. We also commend the government of Kebbi State the presence of your governor here shows that you are working in harmony with your people.”
Oshiomhole, who reacted to the defection on a television programme last night, dismissed concerns that the APC’s two-thirds majority in the National Assembly poses a threat to democracy.
He emphasized that the influx of defectors will not in any way stifle robust and objective parliamentary debates.
The former Edo governor said: “Whether this is dangerous for democracy, I don’t think so. If you follow debates in the House, sometimes you can’t distinguish between PDP or the APC. It depends on the position people take. The diversity of Nigeria is better served at the national level because every interest is represented.”
With Ganduje to witness the defections were Kebbi Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris; former Kebbi governor Saidu Dakingari; Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Yusuf Sununu; Senator Uche Ekwunife; Farouk Lawan and the Secretary to the Kebbi State Government among others.
Some of the students told our reporters that they had passive knowledge of the scheme; others were uninterested in it.
While those with a passive idea blamed poor sensitisation by relevant authorities on the benefits, others said they are wary of the repayment terms.
Many parents and stakeholders from the two geopolitical zones aligned with the students.
They listed ego, perceived marginalisation, and lack of trust as other likely contributors to the students’ low interest in the scheme.
The students, parents and stakeholders, however, suggested improved sensitisation by relevant authorities as the best way to change the trend.
NELFUND Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Akintunde Sawyerr, had, early this month, identified low poverty rates and cultural nuances as major reasons for the low loan application by Southsouth and Southeast students.
Statistic released by NELFUND last week indicate that only 27,098 students benefited for the loan in the Southeast and 37,180 from the Southsouth.
The Northwest has the highest figure of beneficiaries with 157,831 students, followed by the Northeast with 127,058 and Southwest with 92,850. Northcentral has 74,120 beneficiaries.
The student loan scheme is a cardinal programme and campaign promise of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
It is designed to prevent indigent students from dropping out of school and to assist parents save the money they would have used in paying school fees.
Successful applicants’ fees are paid to the institution of learning after verification.
The student gets N20,000 cash monthly, directly pay to him, for his upkeep.
The repayment of the interest-free loan by the student will commence two years after completion of youth service, provide the student has got a job or he is earning income.
The tertiary institutions visited by our reporters in the Southeast are the Nnamdi Azikiwe University(NAU), Awka and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam in Anambra State; University of Nigeria, Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) and Enugu State College of Education Technical (ESCET) in Enugu State; Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufi-Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI), Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri in Imo State and Ebonyi State University, Isieke in Ebonyi State.
In the Southsouth were the University of Benin and Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma in Edo State; Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka and Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun in Delta State; Dennis Osadebey University, Oshimili and Southern Delta University, Ozoro in Delta.
Others were the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State University and Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Port Harcourt, Rivers State
Delta
A former union leader, Wiska Monday, said many students in the Niger Delta are uninterested in the programme because ‘’they have sponsors that fund their education.’’
He added that repayment conditions were a part of the contributors to the low interest by students of the Southsouth.
He said: “Though the repayment terms appear good but there is no certainty of getting a job after graduating.
‘’The question on the minds of students is likely: How will I pay back the loan? Students are no businesspeople, who may be tempted to take loans that they can repay through profits.’’
Rivers
At the Federal Polytechnic, Bonny, a student, Gabriel Nwoha, said that though he was aware of the scheme, he had not made any effort to apply because of ‘’reasons best known to me.’’
National President, Nigerian Union of Rivers State Students (NURSS), Chijioke Amadi, said students in the state were initially not interested in the scheme until their unions embarked on sensitisation campaigns in various campuses.
He stated that the delays in payments to the beneficiaries and the institutions discourage enrolment by students in the state.
Amadi, who is a student of state government-owned Ignatius Ajuru University of Education added: “Before we began the sensitisation outreaches in the various campuses in Rivers State, some of the students, who knew about the scheme and wanted to enroll, had a drawback for fear of repayment strategies and enrolment bottlenecks. “
Southsouth stakeholders speak
Stakeholders in tertiary institutions and parents in the zone said apart from poor awareness by students, distrust and sceptism were also contributory factors. .
A former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Abuja, Prof. Philip Afaha, said information on the loan scheme had not sunk into the consciousness of students.
Afaha, who hails from Akwa Ibom State and currently Special Adviser to the Edo Governor on Policy and Strategy, said: “NELFUND is a wonderful programme of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration, aimed at providing financial succour and support to students of tertiary institutions and alleviating the burden on parents.
“Unfortunately, there is no adequate information on the programme. It looks elitist, as most students and parents in suburban areas have no access to information about NELFUND.
“There has to be enough sensitisation and awareness campaigns on NELFUND. I suggest a campus-to-campus campaign, so that students can key into it.”
President, Movement for the Izon Ethnic Nationalities in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), Kennedy Tonjo-West, said he was not happy with the low patronage of the scheme in the Southsouth. He called on NELFUND to be transparent with the process of obtaining the loan.
Tonjo-West said it was not enough to reel out statistics of percentage of the loans disbursed regionally, stressing that analysis of the number of unsuccessful applications from all the zones should be disclosed.
He said, “We advise that the loan initiative should be more transparent and equitable. It is a lack of transparency that has made it to favour students from a region .’’ We urge the authorities to ensure equal access to all and increased transparency in the selection process, to address regional disparity.’’
Dean of Students’ Affairs, Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Prof. Ignatius Njoseh, revealed that in 2024, only 222 students benefited out of the 953 others that applied.
Asked to state the level of response by DELSU students, Njoseh said: “It is not even up to average in the first/last year, because the students were sceptical.’’
He pointed out that the students’ concerns border on “trust” in the scheme.
“The only concern the students had was trust. At first, they were looking at it as a scam until we started sending message on our own,’’ the Dean said.
Higher Education Commissioner, Prof. Tonukari Johnbull, however, told The Nation that his ministry had commenced a series of engagements with heads of institutions and students unions to stimulate the enrolment of students in the programme.
A Benin-based parent, Titus Akhigbe, said: “ The coordination of NELFUND’s students’ loan scheme is poor, and the initiative is almost inaccessible.
‘’I have two children who are undergraduates of UNIBEN but they claim ignorant of the loans by NELFUND.”
Another parent, Douglas Ogbankwa, said: : “Many students of the tertiary institutions in this state are not aware of the laudable initiative as the publicity is too low.
‘’Top officials of NELFUND must vigorously engage social media influencers, to put the issue on the front burner to fully carry along the youths of this Gen Z era, who are caught up in the tech environment, and always on various social media platforms.’’
Anambra
A student leader in one of NAU’s departments , Iruoma Eze, said ‘’some unanswered questions surrounding the loan’’ contributes to the apathy in the Southeast.
Eze said: “When I approached some students to inform them of the loan, they asked several questions, including ‘’what is the interest rate? What of the payback arrangements? and others which they could not get satisfactory answers.
“For the mere fact that it’s a loan, they felt they would be indebted to Nigeria. They felt that could cost them many things . For many, scholarships would have been better.
“The average Igbo man will not want to be limited by such thing (debt) . He will prefer to struggle or at most, borrow from a relation.”
Lucy Nnona of IMT, who admitted being aware of the scheme, said earlier information made her to lose interest in it.
She said, “When the NELFUND was launched, we heard that they will prioritise some geopolitical zones. Some of us from the Southeast removed our minds from it. This is because we thought they would never include us. I never knew we would be included afterwards.”
Ebonyi
Omege James of AE-FUNAI said he didn’t apply for the loan because some political office holders in his council area give grants to students from their constituencies.
He, however, believes that ‘’people are afraid of applying for the loan because they are not properly enlightened.”
“I come from a poor home, but we have access to finance for my education through some government officials who give us grants regularly to help us pay our fees,’’ James said.
He called on NELFUND and government at all levels to come up with better programmes to enlighten students.
The AE-FUNAI Student Union Government President, Sopuruchi Victor, lamented that many students of the institution were sceptical about the loan even after being sensitised about the programme.
Victor said: “Last year, we attended a Southeast students engagement that was held in October. It had NELFUND officials in attendance who enlightened us about the fund.
“When we got back to our schools, we carried out sensitisation programmes across all faculties with faculty presidents, faculty associations and departmental associations.
“We made them understand that this(loan) is not something that they will be paying back immediately.
“After that , we got about 1,478 of our students who enrolled for the first batch. They became beneficiaries but I simply cannot say the reason or reasons why enrolment is low in the Southeast.’’
Samson Ike, a student of EBSU, said the fact that there is no job guarantee after graduation is a factor that dissuades them from taking the loan.
“If you graduate and don’t get a job, how will you pay. I have heard that one will start payment once he begins to work, but this Nigeria where anything can happen.
‘’I am personally afraid, and I am sure many other students are.’’
Another student and immediate past SUG President of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education (AIFUE), Emmanuel Osuji, attributed the apathy in the zone to students’ misconceptions about repayment of the loan.
“Most students don’t have interest because of the loan clause ; they think if they collect the loan, they are still going to pay back,” Osuji explained.
He noted that despite participating in sensitisation efforts, many students are waiting to see the experiences of those who have already applied.
“I was among the people that did the sensitisation; they are waiting for those that have applied,” he said.
Osuji expressed optimism that the recent disbursement of funds would lead to increased interest in the next batch of applicants.
Southeast stakeholders list reasons, panacea
Some of the stakeholders in the zone, who also attributed the low applications to poor sensitisation, added that ego and sense of marginalisation by Igbo youths were contributors.
A parent, Modestus Umenzekwe, said he believes the real reason for the lack of interest in the loan by Southeat students was ego.
He also said it was not unlikely that the feeling of ‘’marginalisation by many Igbo youths’ was responsible.
He said: ‘’You know a typical Southeastener has I can do it attitude. That is what I mean by ego. I simply don’t understand why our students cannot key into the laudable programme which comes on a platter.
“Again, there is this alleged marginalisation of the zone by the government. This, I believe, makes them(students) feel the loans are not for them.
“But it’s not so, the loans are real and working. Many people have received it.
“ We need proper sensitisation of our youths. We need the traditional way of sensitising them through the town criers, going to the markets and our churches.’’
A publisher, Tony Okafor, said the apathy characterising in the Southeast could be linked to ignorance or misconception of the loan’s benefits, terms and conditions, fear of debt and repayment burdens
He called for the simplification of the application process, provision of support services, financial literacy training and counseling programmes to assist students make informed decisions.
However, some of the institutions in the zone have taken the lead in making sure the anomaly is corrected by setting up committees to that effect.
Others are looking up to the student’s Union governments to take the lead.
Bursar of NAU, Gozie Egwuatu, revealed that the institution has “ released money to print fliers to sensitise its students.”
“ We realise there is work to do by our people to help the students in that regard, “ he said
A reliable source in the university, who did not want to be quoted, revealed that a committee has also been set to ‘’school students on why it’s important for them to access the loan.’’
Head of Publicity Department, AE-FUNAI, Iyke Elom said the school has been assisting students to navigate the enrollment process.
I can’t really speak for each student anyway, but in respect to our school, students have been registering to access the loan.
“If you check the breakdown that was released right from the beginning, our school has the highest number in the Southeast, even in Nigeria at some point in time.
“Our students were enlightened and also informed about the opportunities in the loan. You know, a loan is not compulsory.That’s what people should understand first. It’s not compulsory.
“ But we are publicising and informing students and just enlightening them on the need and the benefits of accessing the loan.”
Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule has pledged support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection bid in 2027, dismissing rumours of political double-dealing and reaffirming loyalty to the President and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a televised interview with TVC News on Tuesday evening, Governor Sule addressed mounting speculation about his political allegiance, particularly in the context of his previous remarks linking the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) to former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The comments sparked criticism from the North Central APC Forum, who accused him of playing between Buhari and Tinubu.
Governor Sule was unequivocal in his response.
“President [Tinubu] shouldn’t be worried about my support. Abdullahi A. Sule, the engineer, the Governor of Nasarawa State, will support President Tinubu 100%. No ambiguity, no challenge. Some of us are not known for Abuja politics. We are not looking for any favours. I am a governor; I don’t need special favours. When I talk, I talk straight,”he said.
Sule emphasized his loyalty lies firmly with the APC and Tinubu, urging party members to unite behind the President’s leadership as the 2027 election cycle approaches.
“We the governors of the APC from the northern region were the same people that told President Buhari at the time: ‘President, you have been there for eight years, you are from the North, it is time for the South. I still hold that position.
“President Tinubu must be allowed to complete his eight years. As far as APC is concerned, nobody from the North should even think of anything else other than supporting President Tinubu,” he added.
Responding to concerns raised about former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s comments that President Tinubu enjoys less support in the North than he did in 2023, Sule dismissed the suggestion his commitment was in doubt.
“People who live in Abuja and think they can gain favours by creating confusion are the ones spreading such ideas. There are some people who don’t have the power to speak on behalf of CPC, and they are trying to cause division. But in reality, President Buhari is in total support of President Tinubu,” he said.
Sule clarified his controversial reference to the former CPC’s voter base and leadership, saying it was not intended to question Tinubu’s authority or support.
Rather, he argued, it was to acknowledge the historical roles of both leaders in the formation of the APC.
“In the same way nobody can speak about ACN better than President Tinubu, nobody can speak about CPC better than President Buhari. They are the true architects of the APC. These two men must remain united for the party to remain strong,” he said.
He added that his political roots lie in the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), not the CPC, countering the notion that he was aligned with CPC loyalists working against Tinubu.
“I was the AC governorship candidate in 2007, so I know what I’m talking about. I have never been CPC. So when people try to label me as such, they’re misrepresenting the facts,” Sule said.
He also pointed out that historical election results in Nasarawa disprove the notion of a rigid CPC political bloc, saying “in 2011, when Governor Al Makura won under CPC, President Buhari lost Nasarawa. Even in 2015, under APC, Buhari still lost in Nasarawa. So it’s not about CPC or APC, it’s about the people and the leaders they trust”.
On the issue of President Buhari’s enduring influence, Sule acknowledged the former president’s status within the party but stressed that it should not be misconstrued as a threat to Tinubu’s leadership.
“Yes, I respect President Buhari, but my President is President Tinubu, whom I will support any day, anytime, anyhow,” he said.
He further dismissed insinuations of division within the party, arguing that Buhari and Tinubu remain committed to the success of the APC.
