President Bola Tinubu has appointed Mr. Jim Ovia, a renowned banker and businessman, as the Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
This appointment was announced by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, in a statement released on Friday.
Ngelale emphasized President Tinubu’s confidence in Mr. Ovia’s ability to utilize his extensive experience and professional standing to advance the vital vision of ensuring that no Nigerian student’s pursuit of higher education is halted due to financial constraints.
Mr. Ovia, the founder of one of Nigeria’s leading banks, is recognized as a respected business leader with a strong commitment to nurturing and empowering young Nigerians.
He holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Louisiana and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School.
The National Student Loan Programme, which aims to guarantee sustainable higher education and functional skill development for all Nigerian students and youths, is a crucial intervention.
As the Chairman of NELFUND, Mr. Ovia will be tasked with ensuring that Nigerian youths, regardless of their backgrounds, have access to higher education and skills that will enable them to become productive members of society and core contributors to the knowledge-based global economy of the 21st century.
President Tinubu signed the National Students Loan Amendment bill into law on April 3. This amendment follows his initial signing of the student loan bill into law in June 2023, aimed at providing financial assistance to Nigerian students in tertiary institutions.
Despite facing delays in implementation due to various issues, the president is committed to ensuring that education receives the attention necessary for the country, including skills development programs.
He emphasized that education is a powerful tool in the fight against poverty and stated his determination to ensure that no Nigerian, regardless of their background, is excluded from quality education and the opportunity to build their future.
