*Governor (Prof.) Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State of Nigeria advocates a comprehensive review of the country鈥檚 education system to address the observed disconnect between educational institutions and the needs of industries, stating several graduates lack the necessary skills to drive innovation and technological advancement

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

For the country to address the apparent disconnect between educational institutions and the needs of modern industries and organisations, Governor (Prof.) Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has advocated a comprehensive review of Nigeria鈥檚 education system.

绿帽献妻 reports Governor Zulum stated this during a courtesy visit by Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), at the Government House, Maiduguri, Borno State capital.

Sawyerr’s latest visit is said to be part of efforts at strengthening collaborations aimed at empowering students in the North-East region of Nigeria through the the Fund Student Loan聽 initiative.

The Borno Governor also expressed concern that several graduates produced by higher institutions lack the necessary skills to drive innovation and technological advancement.

Zulum urged NELFUND to critically assess the issue and implement solutions that enable graduates to become self-employed rather than depend on limited job opportunities.

The governor further stated: 鈥淲e have two major problems in our educational system: the mismatch between educational institutions and industries, as they do not communicate effectively, and the mismatch between the labor market and graduates, many of whom are unprepared to work in the industries.鈥�

He encouraged NELFUND to support entrepreneurship, technical education, and vocational training programs.

The governor said: 鈥淏eyond offering loans, I urge you to explore ways to support entrepreneurship education and promote technical and vocational training to reduce the reluctance toward these critical areas of study.鈥�

Zulum as well commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing NELFUND.

He equally stressed its potential to significantly reduce illiteracy, particularly in the North East region.

The Borno State Governor noted the state government would mobilise local government chairmen and traditional rulers to raise awareness about the programme, noting its importance for underprivileged students who wish to pursue higher education.

鈥淚 have held discussions with heads of tertiary institutions since you assumed office, and reports indicate that a significant number of students who applied for NELFUND loans received them with ease,鈥� Zulum remarked.

Sawyerr, during the visit to the governor, highlighted the Fund鈥檚 mission to tackle the growing issue of students dropping out due to financial constraints.

The CEO of NELFUND noted that the loan is interest-free, with repayment set at 10% of the recipient鈥檚 income upon securing employment.

NELFUND, in a statement via its verified social media account, also affirmed Sawyerr paid a courtesy visit to the Governor Zulum, as part of efforts to strengthen collaborations aimed at empowering students in the region through the the Fund Student Loan聽 initiative.

It stated during CEO’s visit, discussions focused on how the loan scheme can enhance access to education for students in Borno State, particularly in light of the challenges faced by the region.

The Governor commended as well applauded the team for their commitment to supporting the educational aspirations of young Nigerians.

He highlighted the critical role of such initiatives in rebuilding and strengthening the educational sector in Borno, which is pivotal for long-term development.

The Vice-Chancellor of Borno State University, Prof. Babagana Gutti, and representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) accompanied Sawyerr to the Borno STate Government House, in Maiduguri.

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