The announcement was made in a statement issued by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Friday. Ngelale emphasized that the President is confident that Mr. Ovia’s extensive experience and professional reputation will significantly contribute to advancing the crucial goal of ensuring that no Nigerian student faces barriers to…
The announcement was made in a statement issued by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Friday.
Ngelale emphasized that the President is confident that Mr. Ovia’s extensive experience and professional reputation will significantly contribute to advancing the crucial goal of ensuring that no Nigerian student faces barriers to higher education due to financial constraints.
The Special Adviser further outlined that Ovia’s responsibilities will include ensuring that all Nigerian youths, regardless of their backgrounds, have equal opportunities for higher education and skills development, thus enabling them to become valuable contributors to both society and the global knowledge economy of the 21st century.
“Mr. Ovia, the founder of a prominent Nigerian bank and a revered figure in the business community, has demonstrated a commitment to nurturing and empowering young Nigerians through various initiatives and philanthropic endeavors.”
“He is a graduate of Harvard Business School and holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Louisiana.
“The National Student Loan Programme is a crucial initiative aimed at ensuring sustainable higher education and skill development opportunities for all Nigerian students and youths.
“The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, tasked with implementing this initiative, requires individuals of exceptional professionalism and expertise to oversee and manage its operations,” the statement noted.
Regarding the Student Loan Act, President Tinubu signed the National Students Loan Amendment bill into law on April 3.”
The amended bill was enacted following President Tinubu’s initial signing of the student loan bill into law in June 2023, aiming to provide financial aid to Nigerian students in tertiary institutions.
Despite the earlier approval, the bill’s implementation encountered delays due to various challenges hindering its rollout.
Addressing the signing of the amended bill, the president expressed gratitude to the National Assembly for swiftly processing the legislation, emphasizing the importance of education in combating poverty in Nigeria.
“We are committed to prioritizing education and skills development programs to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of their socioeconomic background, has access to quality education and opportunities to shape their future,” President Tinubu remarked.
“We stand here today as beneficiaries of education and support. In the past, many of our children faced the heartbreaking reality of dropping out of college, forfeiting their opportunities. Those days are over. The standards and oversight are now in place to ensure that every Nigerian citizen, regardless of background, can apply and access educational opportunities.”
