Tinubu’s NELFUND initiative, game-changer for Nigerian youths — Rep Oseni

… credits Bola Ige’s free education legacy

The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State and Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has described the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “game-changer” for the future of Nigerian youths.

Oseni stated this at the weekend during a grassroots stakeholders’ engagement held at Erinkojaobe/Owode community in Ibadan.

ALSO READ: NELFUND, bridge to socio-economic gaps in access to education — Tinubu’s aide

He said the student loan scheme is a bold step towards bridging the financial gap that prevents many brilliant but indigent students from accessing tertiary education.

According to him, the policy underscores the President’s commitment to youth empowerment and national development.

Reflecting on his journey, the lawmaker narrated how he benefited from the late Chief Bola Ige’s free education policy in the old Oyo State. The programme, introduced in 1979, he said, gave children from underprivileged backgrounds an opportunity to pursue education.

He said, “I had already concluded arrangements to travel to Lagos to learn how to sell meat. But God, through Bola Ige’s free education policy, changed my story. I was enrolled at Akufo Community Secondary School without paying a kobo. That opportunity paved the way for me to become an engineer today.”

Oseni said the experience continues to inspire his commitment to educational development and grassroots empowerment, even before he was elected into office.

“In our education scheme tagged ‘Oseni Education Support Scheme’, no fewer than 1,053 indigent but brilliant students have benefitted from free West African Examinations Council (WAEC) registration since 2024, while 1,206 others received support for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations.

“This year alone, the support was extended to students in Igbeti, where WAEC fees for about 200 candidates were fully paid. Many of them have successfully passed their exams and secured admission into various tertiary institutions.

“In addition to sponsoring examinations, the scheme also provides scholarships, bursaries, and tuition assistance to students in higher institutions across Oyo State. We have renovated schools from our personal funds, facilitated the construction of classroom blocks, and distributed educational materials.

“Without God and education, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he said. “That’s why education remains central to my constituency projects. It is the most enduring legacy we can leave for the next generation.

“President Tinubu has demonstrated his commitment to building a knowledge-driven economy. As someone who has personally experienced the power of education, I assure my constituents that this is just the beginning. More support is on the way,” the statement added.

Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the 13 Joint Communities in Erinkojaobe , Afolabi Salisu, lauded the lawmaker for his developmental strides and people-centered approach.

He also lauded Oseni’s continued grassroots engagement and harmonious relationship with the electorate.

ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE