By Paul Effiong, Abuja
Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its commitment to education, citing the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act as a significant milestone.
This was contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu,.
According to the statement, Kalu gave the commendation while delivering a lecture at the 37th convocation ceremony and 50th anniversary of the University of Calabar, Cross River State, recently.
In his address, the deputy speaker emphasised the importance of education in achieving President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’, which he said aims to drive economic growth, infrastructural development, healthcare, agriculture and digital innovation.
According to the statement, “President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ envisions a future driven by economic growth, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and digital innovation. As the president aptly stated, “Education is that light at the end of the tunnel; no matter how sluggish you move, it will give you the light and the hope.” I could not agree more. Education is the great equalizer—the bridge between potential and progress—yet financial barriers have long kept many talented Nigerians from reaching it.
“On April 3, 2024, President Tinubu signed the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, a transformative policy designed to remove economic obstacles. This Act provides interest-free loans repayable only after employment, with special provisions for the disadvantaged, ensuring that every capable student has a fair chance to succeed.”
Kalu highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, as a success story, having disbursed ₦23 billion in loans to 94,000 students in 2023.
The deputy speaker noted that the federal budget allocated ₦1.54 trillion to education in 2024, surpassing the ₦1.08 trillion allocated in 2023.
He added that the recently passed 2025 federal budget allocated ₦2.52 trillion to education, representing a 133.33 percent increase in educational investments.
“Consider the remarkable progress made by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund which disbursed ₦23 billion in loans to 94,000 students in 2023, this milestone has not only improved access to education, but also reaffirmed our commitment to empower our youths.
“As new development commissions prepare their budgets, prioritising education must be at the forefront. We must finance short and impactful programmes in carpentry, plumbing, electrical engineering and other trades to address the glaring gap in local expertise. By doing so, we create a workforce capable of transforming our towns and propelling Nigeria toward global competitiveness.
“Distinguished guests, here are the facts: In 2024, the federal budget allocated ₦1.54 trillion to education. This amount is higher than the N1.08 trillion the education ministry received in the 2023 budget. For the recently passed and signed 2025 federal budget, ₦2.52 trillion was allocated to education, a 133.33 percent increase in educational investments before his presidency”, he said.
Kalu also emphasised the need for sustainable educational financing, particularly in the light of the removal of external funding sources like the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, which had previously supported education initiatives in Nigeria.
“The withdrawal of USAID’s funding underscores the importance of domestic investment in education. As Nigeria advances with President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’, education remains a cornerstone of sustainable development. By prioritising education and investing in our youths, we can propel Nigeria towards global competitiveness and achieve the vision for a brighter future”, he said.
Kalu, who is an advocate of gender equality, also stressed the need to empower women through education.
He noted that admission into the university should be based on gender parity rather than geographical considerations.
