The Presidency has reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to equipping Nigerian students and youths with the skills, knowledge and opportunities required to compete effectively in the global economy.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students’ Engagement, Hon. Sunday Asefon, stated this on Friday at the Renewed Hope Student Leaders’ Engagement and Digital Acceleration Programme for the North Central Zone, held at the Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The event attracted student leaders, representatives of vice-chancellors, deans of student affairs, officials of the Federal Ministry of Education, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), and participants from tertiary institutions across the North Central geopolitical zone.

Asefon said the programme reflects the Tinubu administration’s determination to invest in young Nigerians through education, digital innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership development.

According to him, the Renewed Hope Agenda recognises that Nigeria’s future depends on the quality, resilience and capacity of its young people, stressing that students are not merely the leaders of tomorrow but active partners in nation-building today.

He noted that the engagement was designed to strengthen collaboration between the government and students while exposing participants to digital skills that would prepare them for opportunities in the global economy.

“The digital revolution has transformed the world, and Nigeria must not be left behind. Artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, software development, digital marketing and other emerging technologies are creating unprecedented opportunities for young people,” he said.

He added that the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students’ Engagement would continue to champion programmes that expose students to emerging technologies, innovation, digital entrepreneurship and leadership development.

“We want every Nigerian student to become a creator of opportunities, not just a seeker of opportunities,” he said.

He urged student leaders to take advantage of the engagement sessions and networking opportunities while promoting excellence, integrity, dialogue and peaceful coexistence across their campuses.

Reaffirming the office’s commitment to Nigerian students, he pledged sustained engagement and the creation of platforms that would empower them academically, economically and socially.

He also commended President Tinubu for prioritising education through reforms and investments aimed at expanding access to quality education and strengthening the nation’s human capital.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Mr Akintunde Sawyerr, disclosed that more than 850,000 Nigerian students have benefited from the Federal Government’s student loan scheme, with total disbursements rising to ₦303 billion within two years.

He said the scheme has received more than one million applications, describing it as a landmark intervention that has removed financial barriers preventing many Nigerians from accessing higher education.

Sawyerr explained that President Tinubu introduced the initiative to ensure that no qualified Nigerian is denied education because of financial constraints.

“The President has made the funds available. If you qualify, you do not need to know anybody to access the loan. The process is completely digital, transparent and merit-based,” he said.

He encouraged students across the North Central Zone to take advantage of the scheme by applying through the official online platform, noting that eligible applicants only need their personal and academic details, including their BVN, JAMB registration number and matriculation number.

The NELFUND boss also commended the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students’ Engagement, Comrade Sunday Asefon, for serving as a bridge between the Federal Government and Nigerian students and supporting the successful implementation of the student loan programme.

Also speaking, the Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, represented by the Director of University Education, Dr Kareem Olawale Lateef, said the student loan initiative underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to preparing Nigerian students for leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship and the digital economy.

He said the Renewed Hope Agenda is focused on developing a generation of highly skilled young Nigerians capable of driving national development and competing globally.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Lafia, Prof. Muhammad Isa Kida, described the programme as another demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to student development and engagement.

He commended students for their discipline and encouraged them to avoid activities capable of undermining their future, urging them instead to take advantage of government initiatives aimed at preparing them for leadership and national development.