THE Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to placing Nigerian students at the center of the Renewed Hope Agenda, citing financial support through NELFUND, academic stability, and digital skills development as key priorities.

This was disclosed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement at the Renewed Hope Student Leaders Engagement and Digital Acceleration Programme for the North East Zone, held at Gombe State University.

Addressing Vice Chancellors, representatives of NITDA, NELFUND, the Energy Commission, the Federal Ministry of Education, student union leaders and hundreds of students, the SSA said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is “listening to students, engaging with students, and creating opportunities for students.”

NELFUND and Academic Stability

He noted that NELFUND represents a “historic step” toward removing financial barriers to tertiary education.
“Students who previously struggled to meet tuition and other approved institutional charges now have access to government backed financial support, while eligible students can also receive monthly upkeep allowances,” he said.

“The objective is clear. No Nigerian should be forced to abandon education simply because their family cannot afford the cost.”

The presidential aide also highlighted what he described as a new era of stability in universities, with three years of uninterrupted academic calendars under the current administration.
“Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are committed to ensuring that a four year programme takes four years and a five year programme takes five years. That is what our students deserve,” he added.

Digital Acceleration and Skills

The SSA described the programme as both an engagement and a “Digital Acceleration Programme,” urging students to transition from consumers of technology to creators, innovators and entrepreneurs.
“We are now living in a digital economy where knowledge, innovation, artificial intelligence, technology and digital skills are becoming increasingly essential to success,” he said.

He further stressed the government’s investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training, TVET, as an alternative pathway to self-reliance and economic independence.

Charge to North East Students

Speaking directly to students of the North East, he said: “Your location must never determine your destiny. Technology has opened doors that geography can no longer close.”

He challenged student leaders to serve as a bridge between government interventions and their peers by disseminating information on NELFUND, scholarships, and digital opportunities, and by providing honest feedback to government.

“Stay informed. Stay engaged. Acquire skills. Embrace technology. Take advantage of government opportunities. And, most importantly, believe in yourselves. The future of Nigeria belongs to you,” he concluded.

The event drew student leaders and representatives from across the North East geopolitical zone.