The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has publicly praised the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for its decision to extend student loan facilities to vocational and technical training institutions. The party described this strategic move as a potential national game-changer for youth development.
A New Era for Skills Development
In a statement released on Monday by its spokesperson, Oluseye Oladejo, the Lagos APC stated that this expansion is a clear reflection of President Bola Tinubu's dedication to addressing long-standing deficiencies in Nigeria's education and skills development landscape. The initiative is set to provide a significant boost for millions of young Nigerians seeking expertise in critical sectors.
Oladejo emphasized that the nation's system had, for decades, unfairly prioritized academic certificates over practical competence, leaving countless young people without access to essential training. The expanded student loan scheme now opens doors to fields such as:
- Engineering trades
- Digital technology
- Construction
- Creative industries
- Agriculture
- Manufacturing
Economic Empowerment and Job Creation
The party urged the youth in Lagos State to seize this opportunity, highlighting that the scheme provides a viable pathway to acquiring globally competitive skills and achieving long-term economic empowerment. According to the APC, this development is expected to have a profound impact on the nation's economy.
"For decades, millions of young Nigerians whose future depended on skills acquisition were abandoned by a system that worshipped certificates but ignored competence," Oladejo said. "The Renewed Hope Agenda has now rewritten the story. With this expansion, no Nigerian youth will be denied opportunity because of financial barriers. Skill is finally taking its rightful place beside formal academics."
The statement further elaborated that this policy is a direct investment in the productive capacity of the youth, who are described as the heartbeat of Lagos and the engine of Nigeria's future. The anticipated outcomes include:
- Deepened job creation
- Stimulation of innovation
- A stronger national workforce
- A significant reduction in unemployment rates
This is considered particularly vital for Lagos, which the party identified as the nation's premier hub for technology, creativity, and enterprise.
Leadership in Action
The Lagos APC contrasted this policy action with the activities of opposition parties, stating that while some are occupied with political conventions, the APC-led administration is focused on building the nation's future through concrete reforms. The party commended NELFUND's management for implementing a forward-looking policy that empowers the many, not the privileged few, reinforcing its focus on substantive governance.
