STUDENT LOAN SCHEME: INUWA URGES NELFUND TO CONSIDER SHORT COURSES ON DIGITAL SKILLS
Kashifu Inuwa, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), known for prioritizing skills over certificates, has advised the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which administers the student loan initiative program of the current administration, to consider accommodating Nigerians interested in enrolling in short courses that provide digital skills.
Inuwa made this suggestion in Abuja while receiving a delegation from NELFUND led by Mr. Akintunde Sawyer, the Executive Secretary. He emphasized that such courses would empower citizens with globally sought-after skills, positioning Nigeria as a hub for talent export.
The purpose of the meeting was to exchange knowledge, foster collaboration, and demonstrate the NELFUND Portal to NITDA for feedback.
Inuwa stressed the importance of collaboration among five critical stakeholders in the ecosystem: higher education institutions, corporate organizations, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and the government.
He emphasized the role of higher education institutions in producing human capital aligned with industry demands. He also highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between academic institutions and corporate organizations to facilitate smoother transitions for graduates into the workforce.
Inuwa noted that NITDA is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Education to update tertiary education curricula to meet current needs. He emphasized the need for students to be trained with an entrepreneurial mindset to create job opportunities.
Regarding venture capital, Inuwa encouraged local investment in Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign investment.
He recommended making the NELFUND portal mobile-friendly to enhance accessibility. Additionally, he suggested conducting user acceptance tests and data protection compliance tests to ensure the portal’s security and compliance with regulations.
Inuwa assured NELFUND of NITDA’s commitment to providing necessary support, aligning with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0).
Mr. Sawyer, the Executive Secretary of NELFUND, expressed the initiative’s mission to increase access to higher education in Nigeria by providing interest-free loans to eligible students. He emphasized the benefits of higher education for individuals, institutions, and the nation.
Sawyer welcomed NITDA’s challenge to improve, collaborate, and learn from the Agency.
From the News Source: Techeconomy
