Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, of Kano state has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the introduction of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing the initiative as a significant intervention expanding access to higher education for Nigerian students.

The Governor made the commendation on Saturday at the 2nd and 3rd Combined Convocation Ceremony of Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, where a total of 1,104 students graduated from various academic programmes.

Governor Yusuf said the Federal Government’s support for the education sector, particularly through NELFUND, would provide students and their parents with greater opportunities to finance tertiary education and reduce financial barriers that could prevent qualified young Nigerians from pursuing higher education.

“May I also use this opportunity to extend our profound appreciation to the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for its immense support for the education sector, particularly through the introduction of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

“This important initiative provides students and parents with greater opportunities to finance education across Nigerian tertiary institutions and represents a significant step towards expanding access to higher education,” he said.

The Governor urged the graduands to translate the knowledge and skills acquired during their academic journey into productive ventures and meaningful contributions to their communities, Kano State and Nigeria at large.

He also commended the management and staff of Al-Istiqama University for their contributions to the development of higher education in Kano State and for providing young Nigerians with opportunities to pursue tertiary education.

Governor Yusuf said investments in education constitute investments in the future of Kano State and Nigeria, noting that a well-educated and skilled population remains essential to achieving sustainable development, economic growth and social progress.

He congratulated the graduands on their successful completion of their studies and urged them to uphold discipline, integrity and the values acquired during their academic journey, while using their education to contribute positively to society.

The Governor further encouraged them to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and lifelong learning, stressing the importance of acquiring relevant skills that would enable them to respond effectively to contemporary challenges and contribute to the development of their communities.

Earlier, the Proprietor of the University, Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila said the decision to established the Islamic University, in rural surrounding areas of Somalia, Local Government area of Kano State, was a deliberate and mission-driving choice.

The Senator representing Kano South disclosed that part of the mission was to drawn to curb rural migration to urban Centre’s in search of higher education and opportunities.

Kawu Sumaila said the trend that fuels rapid rural to urban migration, strains city infrastructure and blue-turban society the livelihood of people all in search of viable Education, has been a disturbing trend.

“By bringing a university of international standards directly to this rural area, we are reversing that trend, and we are proving that higher education, economic opportunity, and urban development demand, not just in rural communities, but right here in our local communities.”

He added that with the University, “We are empowering local youth, boosting the rural economy, and creating a sustainable ecosystem where knowledge is strong at home.

“This dream could not have been realized without the extraordinary leadership of our principal officers, as well as generosity, guidance, and dedication of selfless leaders, reliable elders, institutions and government.

“We began as a mission to expand access to quality, value-binding higher education in our nation, and today matured into a vibrant institution of academic excellence and character development,” the senator said.