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Education

Student Loan: FG Says 20,000 Students’ Fees Paid

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Student Loan Programme

By Adedapo Adesanya

The federal government claims it has paid the tuition fees of 20,000 students directly to their institutions in the ongoing Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme.

This is according to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Mr Akintunde Sawyer on Thursday while speaking during a summit and sensitization programme by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Rivers State.

According to him, the fund had paid the tuition fees of 20, 000 students in six universities, including the University of Ibadan, University of Benin, University of Maiduguri, University of Ilorin, and Bayero University, Kano.

The implementation of the student loan scheme is President Bola Tinubu’s flagship project in the education sector.

The president introduced the fund when he signed the Access to Higher Education Act, which creates a legal framework for granting loans to indigent or low-income Nigerians to facilitate the payment of their fees in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Mr Sawyer also disclosed that as of August 22, 2024, over 280,000 students have registered for the scheme, while about 256,000 have completed the application process.

He attributed some of the delays in approving requests for the student interest-free loan to errors made by students during the registration process.

He said filing wrong documents and false information prolongs the verification process, as the agency is committed to ensuring that only eligible students benefit from the scheme.

The event, organised by the NANS National Secretariat in collaboration with NELFUND, aimed to educate students in higher institutions in the state about the loan scheme and to gather feedback from them.

NANS said it is committed to continuing sensitization efforts across higher institutions in Rivers State to encourage more students to benefit from the loan scheme.

Earlier in the month, Business Post reported that the fund said it had cleared an extra 22 state-owned tertiary institutions to apply for student loans.

The onboarding of the 22 state-owned institutions brings total number of approved state institutions to 108.

The Newly Cleared Institutions Are:

1. Abia State University, Uturu

2. College of Education, Nsugbe

3. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University

4. Delta State University, Abraka.

5. Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Delta State

6. Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan-Ekiti

7. Kogi State University, Kabba, Kogi State

8. Prince Abubakar Audu University, Kogi

9. Kwara State University, Kwara

10. Kwara State College of Health Technology

11. Abdulkadir Kure University Minna

12. Ogun State College of Health Technology, Ilese-Ijebu

13. Moshood Abiola Polytechnic

14. Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo

15. The Polytechnic, Ibadan

16. The Oke Ogun Polytechnic, Saki

17. Rivers State University, Port Harcourt

18. Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic

19. Shehu Sule College of Nursing and Midwifery, Damaturu

20. College of Administration, Management andTechnology Potiskum, Yobe State

21. College of Agriculture, Science & Technology, Gujba

22. College of Education Legal Studies, Nguru

Previously Cleared Institutions Are:

1. Abia State Polytechnic

2. Adamawa State University Mubi

3. Adamawa State Polytechnic Yola

4. College of Education Afaha Nsit

5. Akwa Ibom State University

6. Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic

7. Aminu Saleh College of Education, Azare

8. Niger Delta University

9. Benue State University, Makurdi

10. Borno State University

11. College of Education, Waka-Biu

12. Mohammed Lawan College Of Agriculture

13. Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri

14. Cross River State University

15. Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-uku

16. Delta State University of Science and Technology

17. Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba 18. University of Delta Agbor

19. Ebonyi State University, AbakalikI

20. Edo State University Uzairue.

21. Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti

22. Bamidele Olumilua University of Edu., Sc., and Tech

23. University of Medical and Applied Sciences Enugu State

24. Gombe State University

25. Imo State University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Umuagwo

26. Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University

27. Benjamin Uwajumogu State College of Education Ihitte Uboma

28. Imo State Polytechnic Omuma

29. Sule Lamido University Kafin Hausa, Jigawa State

30. Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria

31. Kaduna State College of Education Gidan Waya

32. Kaduna State University

33. Aliko Dangote University of science and Technology, Wudil

34. Yusuf Maitama Sule University

35. Katsina State Institute of Technology and Management

36. Umar Musa Yaradua University Katsina

37. Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero

38. Confluence University of Science and Technology, Kogi

39. Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba

40. Kwara Polytechnic, Kwara

41. Kwara State College of Education Oro

42. Lagos state university of education

43. Lagos State University of Science and Technology

44. Lagos State University

45. Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, Lafia

46. Nasarawa State University Keffi

47. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Uniersity Lapai

48. Niger State Polytechnic Zungeru

49. Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic

50. Olabisi Onabanjo University

51. Tai Solarin University of Education

52. Ogun State Institute of Technology, Igbesa

53. D.S Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic Itori-Ewekoro.

54. Gateway ICT Polytechnic Saapade

55. University of Medical Sciences, Ondo

56. Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State

57. Government Technical College Ile-Ife 58. GTC, ARA Osun State

59. GTC, GBONGAN Osun State

60. GTC, IJEBU-JESA Osun State.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

Education

Oando Foundation Pilots Language-Based Literacy Initiative in Ebonyi, Others

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Oando Foundation

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

To improve foundational literacy and numeracy in Nigeria, Oando Foundation has introduced an initiative called Foundational Learning Improvement Programme (LEARNOVATE – FLIP).

About 80 public primary schools across four of the 36 states of the federation, namely Ebonyi, Plateau, Sokoto, and Adamawa, would be used for the pilot of the programme by the organisation.

The aim is to support the government to achieve its Universal Basic Education goal by leveraging evidence-based methods to address the learning crisis in Nigeria and build.

Oando Foundation is going on this journey by partnering with other organisations like the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) Africa, the Quality Education Development Associates (QEDA), and the Hilltrust Top Foundation.

This scheme integrates two methodologies by taking a targeted approach to enhance inclusive and equitable quality education.

The first is the Early Grade Reading (EGR), which is co-implemented by QEDA and Hilltrust Top Foundation, and focuses on foundational literacy for primary 1–3 pupils in Ebonyi, Plateau, and Sokoto States.

By employing mother tongue and English materials, the initiative ensures pupils build strong reading and comprehension skills.

The second method used TaRL to provide remedial literacy and numeracy support for primary 4–6 pupils in Adamawa State, particularly those with interrupted schooling.

The initiative builds on Oando Foundation’s current LEARNOVATE strategy centred around improving foundational learning through innovative approaches and promoting sustainability within educational systems.

“We are excited to introduce the Foundational Learning Improvement Programme as part of our LEARNOVATE strategy, in line with our ongoing commitment to ensuring that every child, especially in underserved communities, has access to quality education.

“By incorporating evidence-based methodologies and focusing on lesson instructions and assessments in mother-tongue, we aim to address the existing learning gaps among young learners and create a deeper understanding of how to improve educational outcomes for Nigerian students.

“The impact of this pilot will not only inform future educational practices but will also support the achievement of the United Nations’ SDG 4, which advocates for inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

Ultimately, our goal is to empower children with the foundational skills they need to succeed, contributing to the sustainable growth and development of their communities and Nigeria as a whole,” the Head of Oando Foundation, Tonia Uduimoh, commented.

Also, the chairman of the Ebonyi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mrs Patience Ogodo, commended Oando Foundation for its unwavering commitment to transforming education in Nigeria.

“By integrating evidence-based methodologies and prioritizing inclusive approaches such as mother-tongue assessments, this program not only improves learning outcomes but also empowers students to realize their full potential.”

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Education

Stanbic IBTC Transforms Ibeku High School Umuahia

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Ibeku High School Umuahia

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Ibeku High School in Umuahia, Abia State, has witnessed an extensive transformation courtesy of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc through its Adopt-A-School initiative.

The company renovated five classrooms and furnished them with new furniture; ensuring students enjoy a comfortable and conducive learning environment.

The firm also constructed a new multipurpose hall, which added versatility to the school’s facilities, thereby providing space for assemblies, school events, and various educational activities.

In addition, staff facilities received significant attention, with both the guidance counsellor’s office and staffroom undergoing complete makeovers to create professional working spaces for educators.

Furthermore, Stanbic IBTC rehabilitated a modern computer laboratory for the school and equipped it with 20 advanced computer systems and 25 workstations, positioning students to develop crucial digital skills for the modern workplace.

To demonstrate its environmental consciousness, the organisation strategically planted 100 trees across the school grounds, creating shade and improving the overall campus atmosphere.

This comprehensive upgrade has transformed the learning environment for 720 students and 52 teachers, bringing modern educational resources to the community.

The financial institution carried out this transformation in demonstration of its ongoing commitment to revolutionising educational facilities across Nigeria.

“The Adopt-A-School initiative remains a significant part of our broader mission to foster sustainable growth and development in Nigeria.

“We are dedicated to creating an environment where children can learn and thrive,” the acting chief executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Mr Kunle Adedeji, said.

Since the inception of the Adopt-A-School programme, Stanbic IBTC has upgraded several schools across the nation, including in Ogun, Niger, Akwa Ibom, Ekiti, Sokoto, Borno, and Gombe states.

Each project reinforces Stanbic IBTC’s dedication to fostering educational excellence and creating lasting impact in communities across Nigeria.

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Education

Fidelity Bank Renovates Emotan College Library in Edo

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Emotan College

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The library at Emotan College in Benin City, Edo State has been renovated by Fidelity Bank Plc through the Fidelity Helping Hands Program (FHHP) championed by the Phoenix Inductee Class of Fidelity Bank.

The facility was give a facelift by the lender as part of its education Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) pillar.

The action was taken by the financial institution in demonstration of its unwavering commitment to enhancing its host communities’ lifestyles and promoting quality education delivery across the country.

At the official handover ceremony, the Regional Bank Head of Midwest 1 at Fidelity Bank, Ovie Mukoro, highlighted the alignment of the renovation project with the bank’s CSR pillars, emphasizing the promotion of quality education and youth empowerment.

“The renovation project reflects the Bank’s commitment to enhancing the lives of its host communities through the dedication and generosity of its newly inducted staff who voluntarily contributed funds to support the project,” Mukoro stated.

The Principal of Emotan Junior College, Mrs Idukpaye Henrietta, expressed her gratitude, noting that the investment in the school is an investment in the nation’s future.

She looked forward to a lasting partnership that would continue to uplift and empower the students.

Similarly, Mrs Sandra Iyalekhue, Acting Education Secretary, Oredo Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), commended Fidelity Bank for the kind gesture, noting that the project would contribute to the educational development of the students and promote research work.

In Abuja, Fidelity Bank further demonstrated its CSR commitment by donating 40 tables and chairs to LEA School at the Federal Capital Territory.

This initiative, also executed under the FHHP by the Prodigies Inductees Class, aims to support quality education delivery in a bid to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4 – Quality Education.

The Divisional Head of Brand and Communications at Fidelity Bank, Mr Meksley Nwagboh, emphasised the importance of supporting education as a tool for societal improvement.

“At Fidelity Bank, we recognize the importance of supporting education as a tool for improving society. Through initiatives like this, we aim to ensure that every child has access to essential educational resources and become an asset to their family, their community and the nation,” the brand strategist said.

The headmaster of LEA School, Mr Mohamed Musa, expressed his gratitude for the timely intervention, noting that the donation would address the critical need for adequate classroom seating, preventing students from having to sit on the floor during classes.

He encouraged other corporations to follow Fidelity Bank’s lead and support quality education delivery.

These initiatives come to join a long list of Fidelity Bank’s interventions in the education sector.

It will be recalled that the bank launched the Read2Lead Initiative last year to foster a culture of reading and writing among young people.

The bank also hosted a webinar targeted at businesses operating in the education sector, themed, Maintaining Educational Standards Amidst Current Economic Realities, in September 2024 as part of its strategy to improve the country’s education system.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 8.5 million customers through digital banking channels, its 251 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the Export Finance Bank of the Year at the 2023 BusinessDay Awards; the Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; Best Payment Solution Provider Nigeria 2023; and Best SME Bank Nigeria 2022 by the Global Banking and Finance Awards.

It was also recognised as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2023 and the Best Domestic Private Bank in Nigeria by the Euromoney Global Private Banking Awards 2023.

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