Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for introducing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), saying the initiative could help more Nigerian students overcome financial barriers to tertiary education.

Yusuf made the commendation on Saturday at the combined 2nd and 3rd convocation ceremony of Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Kano State, where 1,101 students graduated from various academic programmes.

The governor’s position was contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, and made available to journalists on Sunday.

Yusuf said Federal Government interventions in the education sector, particularly NELFUND, would give students and their parents additional means of financing tertiary education.

He described the education loan scheme as an important step towards widening access to higher education for qualified young Nigerians who may otherwise face financial difficulties.

“May I also use this opportunity to extend our profound appreciation to the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for its immense support for the education sector, particularly through the introduction of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.

“This important initiative provides students and parents with greater opportunities to finance education across Nigerian tertiary institutions and represents a significant step towards expanding access to higher education,” Yusuf said.

The governor urged the graduands to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their studies to productive ventures and initiatives that would benefit their communities, Kano State and the country.

He also praised the management and staff of Al-Istiqama University for their contribution to the growth of higher education in Kano State and for creating opportunities for young people to pursue tertiary education.

Yusuf said sustained investment in education was essential to the future of Kano State and Nigeria, stressing that a skilled and educated population was necessary for economic growth, sustainable development and social progress.

He congratulated the graduands on completing their studies and encouraged them to uphold discipline, integrity and other values acquired during their academic journey.

The governor further urged them to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and continuous learning to equip themselves with skills relevant to contemporary challenges.

The ceremony also featured the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil and Alhaji Abdulmumini Mai Shanu (A.Y. Shafa).

A posthumous doctorate degree was also awarded to the late Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata in recognition of his contributions.

The event was attended by members of the university’s governing authorities, management, academic and non-academic staff, graduands, parents and guardians, as well as traditional and religious leaders, government officials and other guests.