Inclusive Access to Education Funding: Bridging Regional Gaps
The member representing Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State in the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Enwo Igariwey, on Tuesday assured that South East students would not be excluded from the Federal Government’s Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund)(STUDENTS’ LOAN). Igariwey, who is also a member of the House of Representatives Committee on Banking Regulations, stated that he and the Leader of the South East Caucus of the National Assembly, Sensor Enyinnaya Abaribe, have initiated moves to ensure that students of South East extraction benefit from the loan program.
He gave the assurances at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) while conducting an on-the-spot assessment of the CBN-funded Engineering Laboratory at the University.
“We should embrace every program of the Federal Republic of Nigeria because the South East is a very important component of this country. The students loan is for the students. If the students are expected to apply, let them apply before we start complaining that we are not benefiting from it.
“At the other end, we would make sure that when the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is disbursing funds, it should be across the board,” he said.
Ensuring Adequate Resources for Sustainable Development
While expressing satisfaction with the consummation of the CBN project at the University, Igariwey stressed the need to adequately equip the laboratory to realize the aims behind the initiative. He emphasized the importance of engineering as the bedrock of sustainable national development and highlighted the deployment of science and technology in tackling myriad challenges facing the nation.
Earlier, during the reception of the lawmaker and other CBN delegation members for an oversight visit of the Engineering Laboratory facility, the Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, expressed surprise that South East students were not among the first beneficiaries of the NELFund, despite the completion of student verification as required.
Some staff of the Faculty of Engineering at ESUT, including a Chief Technologist, Dr. Fidelis Inyiama, complained about the lack of electricity and water in the laboratory, citing these issues as significant challenges hampering progress in the facility. These concerns underscore the broader infrastructural gaps that must be addressed to maximize the impact of such initiatives.
Broad Impact: Igariwey’s assurance reflects the administration’s commitment to fostering inclusivity in federal programs, ensuring equitable access to opportunities for all regions. By advocating for the inclusion of South East students in the NELFund, he emphasizes the importance of regional representation and participation in national development efforts.
Hon. Enwo Igariwey’s push for inclusive access to the NELFund highlights the critical role of legislative advocacy in bridging regional disparities and promoting equitable educational opportunities. Ensuring proper infrastructure support for facilities like ESUT’s CBN-funded Engineering Laboratory further reinforces the need for integrated development strategies.
As discussions around regional equity and resource allocation continue, stakeholders emphasize the importance of addressing both financial and infrastructural barriers to unlock the full potential of initiatives aimed at advancing education and technological innovation in Nigeria.
