Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad (left), at the University of Maiduguri’s 25th Combined Convocation and 50th Anniversary celebration
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said his administration’s Renewed Hope reforms are beginning to yield visible results—especially in tertiary education, digital skills development, and support for young Nigerians preparing to join the workforce.
Speaking through the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, at the University of Maiduguri’s 25th Combined Convocation and 50th Anniversary celebration, Tinubu unveiled fresh federal interventions for students and university staff across the country.
Tinubu disclosed that the Federal Government has set aside ₦20 billion for a new zero-interest loan scheme for academic and non-academic staff of tertiary institutions. The loans—ranging from ₦1 million to ₦10 million—will be payable over five years with a one-year moratorium.
“Arrangements have been concluded with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to provide loans to all eligible staff… with zero interest. The interest accrued will be shouldered by the ministry,” he said.
He added that ₦50 billion has already been disbursed to 624,535 students across 303 institutions under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), designed to ensure no student drops out due to financial difficulty.
“We recognise that no nation can thrive without investing in the minds of its youth and no Nigerian should be denied access to quality education due to financial constraints,” the President noted.
*More power, more doctors: Major investments in universities*
Tinubu also highlighted progress made under the Energizing Education Programme (EEP), revealing that Phases I–III have already delivered:
Over 100MW of clean electricity
To 24 federal universities and their teaching hospitals
Benefiting 600,000 students and 50,000 staff
He announced an upcoming Phase IV, following a new MoU between the Ministry of Education and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), promising 24-hour power supply to eight additional federal universities.
On medical education, the President emphasized bold steps to tackle Nigeria’s doctor-shortage crisis.
“We have taken a decisive action by doubling the admission quota of medical colleges across Nigeria; including here at the University of Maiduguri,” he said, noting that TETFund’s 2025 High-Impact intervention will focus on 18 medical schools nationwide.
*Digital future: Nearly million trainees in technical and digital skills*
Tinubu highlighted efforts to prepare graduates for Nigeria’s rapidly growing digital economy. Through Vocational Enterprise Institutes (VEIs) and TVET programmes, he said:
Over 960,000 trainees have been enrolled
In 25 trades nationwide
With digital bootcamps in coding, cybersecurity, analytics, and digital marketing
Plus e-learning platforms, internships, and innovation hubs
He noted that partnerships with private firms, NGOs, and international bodies are boosting digital literacy and employability for young Nigerians.
The President praised the University of Maiduguri for remaining steadfast in its academic mission despite being situated “in the epicentre of a violent insurgency for the past twenty years.”
He added:
“I commend the security agencies… and the roles of our traditional and community leaders for their support and advice. Few tertiary institutions have achieved this level of harmony between management, staff, and students over the last thirty years.”
*Zulum pledges more support for UNIMAID, BOSU, and KIU*
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, congratulated the graduates and applauded UNIMAID management for steering the institution through decades of challenges.
He promised continued state support through:
Construction of staff and student housing
Expanded funding for infrastructure
Scholarships for Borno indigenes abroad
Sponsorship of over 200 academic staff from UNIMAID, BOSU, and KIU for postgraduate studies
Zulum reaffirmed his commitment to upgrading educational facilities across Borno before the end of his second term.
