Federal Government of Nigeria Kick Start ₦75,000 Conditional Cash Transfer To Vulnerable Households

The Federal Government, on Tuesday, said it has resumed its social intervention scheme of conditional cash transfer of ₦75,000 cash transfers to 15,000,000 households nationwide to combat the impact of inflation.

Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, revealed this on Tuesday, at a ministerial sectoral briefing to mark the first year in office of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration in Abuja.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had in November 2023, launched the conditional cash transfer programme targeted at 15,000,000 households across the federation to receive ₦75,000 within three months.

However, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on January 12, suspended all social programmes administered by the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) including Npower for six weeks, as part of a probe of alleged misappropriation of public funds in the management of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) and the National Social Investment Programmes. This was followed by the suspension of Betta Edu as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation on January 8.

The National Social Investment Programmes includes Npower, the conditional cash transfer scheme, the government enterprise and empowerment programme, and the national home-grown school feeding program.

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To reactivate the conditional cash transfer program, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the establishment of a Special Presidential Panel, led by Wale Edun the Minister of Finance, to carry out an thorough review and audit of the existing financial frameworks and policy guidelines of the national social investment programmes.

Speaking on Tuesday, Wale Edun said the government had decided to restart the conditional cash transfer programme to provide succour to poor Nigerians.

The Minister for finance Wale Edun, stated that the beneficiaries of the ₦75,000 conditional cash transfers scheme are 15,000,000 households across the federation, adding that the Federal Government has developed a system to ensure that payments go directly to beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) through digital routes.

Noting that the federal government has employed Mobile Network operators to fasten the roll-out of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) scheme, the Minister Wale Edun, said beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) must have a National Identity Number (NIN), account number or mobile wallet to receive the conditional cash transfer payments.

“As the Chairman of the Presidential Panel of Social Investment Programme, the all-important direct payment to the poor, which is the veritable tool and sharpest tool we can have for attacking increased living standards, that programme has been restarted. It involves 75,000,000 Nigerians and 15,000,000 households with the payment of ₦75,000 in the immediate term.

“To ensure public trust is there, we have a system that has been developed between the Ministers of Communications and Digital Economy, Health, and Youths with global best standard in providing direct payment.

“On the one hand, each person must have a National Identity Number. Secondly, the payment must be through digital routes, whether BVN, that is bank accounts or mobile wallets.

“Mobile Network operators have been recruited to ensure we have a faster rollout of the programme. That is one of the key ways initially that the poor and vulnerable will be helped,” Wale Edun said.

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The Student Loan of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Like many of the programmes President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has initiated in the first year of his administration, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Student Loan made its epileptic journey to reality with the signing of the executive bill, Students Loans (Access to Higher Education) Bill, 2024, into law in April.

The Act is a great improvement of an earlier effort which had to be withdrawn last year because it was too restrictive. The Act goes beyond tuition alone and covers some other aspects of student welfare. It also accommodates a wider coverage of students in federal and state institutions which do not charge fees, as well as those in vocational training and registered private educational institutions.

Another commendable feature of the student loan is that it removes the restrictions on family income thresholds and guarantor requirements in determining those who qualify. It is a far more inclusive package than the former proposal, and will surely add value to the education system if faithfully and sustainably implemented. With this student loan, any willing and able Nigerian who gains admission into designated tertiary institutions needs not drop out on ground of financial indigence and constraints.

While we praise and commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the courage in extending this dividend of good governance to children of the ordinary Nigerians, we call his attention to the need to provide an enabling economic environment so that beneficiaries of this student loan can pay back according to the terms of the student loan. A situation whereby students graduate from these institutions and remain idle for years, languishing on the unemployment queue and the labour market, will not only lead to involuntary mass student loan defaults, it could easily kill the student loan scheme.

Those who criticise this student loan point out that it adds more burden on a system that has already failed to meet the existing basic needs of our educational system. For instance, the student loan does not in any way address the conditions that push the workers’ unions of tertiary institutions to strike almost annually. If anything, it could add to reasons for mass actions by the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, if poorly run.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should further reaffirm his commitment and dedication to a better educational system by meeting with unions such as the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU; Non-Academic Union of Universities, NASU; and others, to come up with a comprehensive package of reforms and funding that will address the poor quality of higher education in Nigeria.

The issues of low morale among tertiary education staff due to poor welfare, dilapidated school infrastructure, irrelevant curriculum and the growing insecurity of our educational institutions must be addressed. The quality of education we give our children does not really prepare them for survival, let alone leadership. Majority of our students are just going through the motions and coming out no better than those who did not “smell” the ivory tower.

This must stop.

Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/06/tinubus-students-loan-scheme/

You Do Not Need To Have Connections To Get A Student Loan In Nigeria - Fred Femi Akinfala

It must be emphasized at this point that every eligible student is equal, and no one needs to have a ‘godfather’ or unique connections in society to access the student loan… Instead, what is essential is for an applicant to meet the laid-down criteria and eligibility requirements for the student loan. These are ensuring, as an applicant, you are enrolled in a federal or state tertiary institution, and possess a letter of admission from the statutory Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, a Biometric Verification Number (BVN) and a National Identification Number (NIN).

I believe that by the time President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would be completing his entire constitutionally allowable tenures in 2031, the students’ loan initiative, being managed by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), would be among his best-celebrated achievements.

I am convinced that in several months from now, the initiative will be recorded as the most revolutionary policy regarding tertiary education in Nigeria. This is because the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), among other benefits, would help Nigerian students create a safe pathway from financial challenges to attaining their educational pursuits. The result will be that student retention and completion rates will increase, and so will the number of skilled talents in the economy.

It is for this reason, and in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, that the management of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is committed and dedicated to creating an open, fair, and transparent student loan application process. The openness in the student loan scheme’s administration means that students can easily apply for student loan online, submit, and track a student loan request through the same process, which means that there is nothing anyone, including officials of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), can do to manipulate the student loan application process for self-advantage.

Already, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), has gathered current students’ information, involving the federal universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and technical colleges in Nigeria. The same process now applies to state-owned tertiary institutions, which will commence on Tuesday, the 28th of June.

It must be emphasized at this point that every eligible student is equal, and no one needs to have a ‘godfather’ or unique connections in society to access the student loan.

As a fact, it is not for nothing that the NELFUND’s management has taken steps to foster public trust, inclusion, and sustainable reputational capital. It is also worth noting that the agency has instituted solid corporate governance, supported and overseen by its equally dedicated governing board, led by respected banker and Zenith Bank Plc founder, Mr Jim Ovia.

Instead, what is essential is for an applicant to meet the laid-down criteria and eligibility requirements. These are ensuring, as an applicant, you are enrolled in a federal or state tertiary institution, and possess a letter of admission from the statutory Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, a Biometric Verification Number (BVN) and a National Identification Number (NIN). The simplification of the student loan process and its accessibility to the public are to clear ambiguity or a perception of bias in selecting successful student loan applications.

As a fact, it is not for nothing that the NELFUND’s management has taken steps to foster public trust, inclusion, and sustainable reputational capital. It is also worth noting that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), has instituted solid corporate governance, supported and overseen by its equally dedicated governing board, led by respected banker and Zenith Bank Plc founder, Mr Jim Ovia. In the same vein, the management, led by its Managing Director, Mr Akintunde Sawyerr, has declared zero tolerance for corruption and corrupt practices within and outside the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

For Akintunde Sawyerr, pilfering funds meant to empower students is egregious and an unpardonable sin. Akintunde Sawyerr once related an intriguing story to me about some burglars in the United Kingdom who seemed to make it a rule among them not to take anything belonging to children.

Despite their depravity, it was a creed among them (burglars). Mr Akintunde Sawyerr told me, by the same token, that even the most depraved person, if appointed into a position of trust and to protect children’s welfare, must eschew committing such atrocious sin against them.

The task before the NELFUND management is to ensure the corrupt-free management of the interest-free student loan scheme to millions of students from the sixty two federal and sixty three state universities in the country.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/opinion/700264-you-dont-need-a-godfather-to-get-a-student-loan-in-nigeria-by-fred-femi-akinfala.html

Student Loan Will Eliminate Dropouts - Ayodele Olawande

The Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has said the student loan is for youths to access interest-free facility.

Ayodele Olawande, told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja it was part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to carry youths along.

The Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, stated that with the student loan, undergraduates would no longer drop out of school because of financial limitations.

“If the President said a child will not drop out of school because he or she is not able to pay school fees, I think that is a big plus,” Ayodele Olawande said.

Ayodele Olawande called for an enabling environment for young Nigerians to thrive and achieve their goals in life.

According to Ayodele Olawande, the country has more than 60% of young people; hence, with an enabling environment, much can be achieved.

The Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the ministry was making critical decisions and suggestions while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made sure they were put into action.

The Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the student loan had an agency and a chairman, adding students could access the portal at https://nelf.gov.ng

“You don’t need to know anybody; just go and apply. They will put it together, send it to the school and it will be sorted out so that one can study properly and pass the examination,” Ayodele Olawande said.

The minister said the student loan is for students in public tertiary and technical institutions.

Ayodele Olawande added everything must not be just education because the country had got to a stage were skills was also needed.

“China, India, United States and others are successful because of skills citizens have.

“The government is not saying everything must be university, polytechnic, tertiary institution. They must also go to technical schools so the persons can have one or two skills.

“Most of the foreigners they bring to Nigeria to work, who we call graduates, are not graduates. They are technicians,” Ayodele Olawande said.

The Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande said that in every ministry and corporation, young people are found.

Ayodele Olawande said this was the reason most decisions government made boiled down on youths.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the Student Loan Scheme, which is being implemented, is part of the Higher Education Access Act, assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a year ago.

In February, the Act was returned to National Assembly for overhaul and was assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Source: https://thenationonlineng.net/minister-student-loan-will-curb-dropouts/

The Student Loan

The student loan will combat the financial challenges which hinders many talented students from accessing higher education, according to Yusuf Aliu.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s enactment of the Students Loans Act 2024 is a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s educational landscape. This progressive legislation stands as a beacon of hope for countless indigent students, providing them the financial assistance, help and support required to pursue their academic dreams and aspirations and contribute to the nation’s progress and development.

The Student Loan Act 2024 is a visionary initiative designed to handle the financial challenges, barriers and stress that prevent many gifted, talented and ambitious students from accessing higher education. By offering accessible student loans, the Act ensures that no student is left behind due to economic hardship. This commitment and dedication to educational equality is crucial for building a more inclusive and knowledgeable society.

One of the Act’s most significant impacts is its potential to curb the economic burden on families striving to educate their children. In Nigeria’s challenging economic climate, many families encounter severe financial limitations, making higher education seem unattainable and farfetched. The Student Loan Act offers these families with much-needed financial relief, allowing students to focus on their studies without the constant worry of monetary struggles.

Moreover, the Act is a timely response to Nigeria’s broader economic challenges. By investing in education, the government is laying the foundation for a more skilled and knowledgeable workforce. This investment is essential for driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and increasing productivity. As more students gain access to higher education, the country can expect to see a surge in economic development, growth and prosperity.

Education is one of the most powerful tools for social mobility, and the Student Loan Act 2024 ensures that even students from the most underprivileged backgrounds have the opportunity to succeed. This legislation is not just about providing financial help; it is about instilling hope and creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to education through Students Loans is a testament to his visionary leadership. By prioritizing the education of indigent students, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is investing in Nigeria’s future. This Act will undoubtedly have a lasting positive impact, enabling students to complete their educational journeys, build successful careers, and contribute to the nation’s progress.

In conclusion, the Student Loan Act 2024 is a groundbreaking step towards a more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. It underscores the importance of education in addressing economic challenges and highlights the government’s dedication to empowering its citizens. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s student loan initiative will not only change the lives of countless students but also drive the nation towards a brighter and more inclusive future. This legislation is a clear demonstration of the power of education to change lives and propel a nation forward.

Source: https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2024/06/03/the-student-loan-initiative/

Npower News: Conditional Cash Transfer 3 Days Training Ongoing Across The Federation

According to Npower News, the ongoing National Social Safety-Nets Project Scale-Up (NASSP-SU) Orientation step-down training for SCTU staff and Desk.Officers in Taraba is taking place at Lasandi Hotel in Jalingo, Taraba State.

The National Social Safety-Nets Project Scale-Up (NASSP-SU) State Orientation Training is also ongoing in Ogun State and this training runs till June 3rd, from 8:00 am daily.

According to Npower News, Mr. Waghbo Terkura Emmanuel, the Programme Manager for the Benue State Conditional Cash Transfer, is currently overseeing the implementation of the National Social Safety-nets Project Scale-Up (NASSP SU) in Benue state. As part of this initiative, over 224,090 households across twenty three local government areas are set to benefit from the ongoing enrollment process of the conditional cash transfer.

Federal Government Grant To Study Masters And PhD In Italy

The Federal Government of Italy is offering 9 months of scholarship to 15 interested Nigerian students for studies in Italy and research centers and one out of the 15 scholarship slot in memory of late ambassador Luca Athanasius in the field of International Relations for the academic session 2024/2025.

This Federal Government Grant is for Post Graduate courses, each student will be placed on a monthly stipend of 1000 Euros, this federal government grant will be disbursed every three months.

Eligibility for this federal government grant from Italy 

A) Masters Program: 

1) Applicants must possess a good Bachelors’ degree, the second year federal government grant will depend on the applicants' performance in the first year of the federal government grant.

2) Applicants must not be more than 28 years by deadline of this application.

B) PhD/Doctorate Program:

1) Applicants must have a good Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree.

2) Applicants need to meet the entry requirements and academic qualifications established by the Italian University.

3) Applicants must not be more than 30 years by deadline of this application.

4) All applicants are required to provide admission letter from any relevant University in Italy.

How to apply for this federal government grant from Italy 

1) Interested applicants are to visit https://studyinitaly.esteri.it to submit their applications and for further inquiries.

The Deadline for submission of the application for this federal government grant/scholarship from Italy is Friday 14th June, 2024.

Npower News Today Sunday June 2nd 2024

According to Npower News today Sunday June 2nd 2024, with respect to Npower payment, the National Coordinator of Npower have taken to the National Association of Npower beneficiaries Facebook handle to inform beneficiaries of Npower that Npower payment will take place on or before June 15th otherwise there will be massive demonstrations in Abuja. This statement was made on the National Association of Npower beneficiaries Facebook handle by the Npower National Coordinator see statement below.

"After my Exams, I'll be ready to come back to the street and keep fighting for you. Anything beyond June 15th without Payments we are definitely going to stage another massive protest in Abuja.

At this point, all I need is your prayer as I dip into my Medical board examinations deeply!!!" the Npower National Coordinator said.

https://www.facebook.com/100093105862796/posts/pfbid0UAHZjr6QpVPRXADhFortk78nugVbT2cgS8ikg77pjG68gFrTvE9Hq1vCa8TP2GZAl/?app=fbl

Npower News: Coalition Pleads With President Bola Ahmed Tinubu To Appoint Halimat Adenike Tejuosho Minister For Humanitarian Affairs And Poverty Alleviation

A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), comprising of over one hundred CSOs met in Arewa House Kaduna to congratulate and appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a meritorious one year in office , and pleaded with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint Halimat Adenike Tejuosho as the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) which gave President Bola Ahmed Tinubu pass mark on his progressive policies, support to People Living with Disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens at any rate, also thanked the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Remi Tinubu for her firm support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in addition to the agricultural support she has recently extended to women and youths as well as People Living with Disabilities (PWDs) across the country.

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) equally praised and described the leadership of National Assembly as a symbol of democracy.

At a press conference organised by the Coalition in Arewa House Kaduna on Saturday, the Chairman for the Coalition, Comrade Aliyu Muhammad Sani said that their main aim of organizing the press conference was to join several other groups and individuals to drum support for Halimat Adenike Tejuosho who has over the years distinguished herself as a true humanitarian to be appointed as the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) said “today we join PWDs across the 36 states and FCT as well as APC PWDs leaders in the 36 states and all other stakeholders like Senators, APC stalwarts, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), credible and objective observers and youth parliaments across the country who have been agitating and consulting widely for the appointment of this seasoned humanitarian as a Minister.”

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) described Halimat Adenike Tejuosho as a selfless patriot who has been using her personal resources to bring succour to senior citizens, People Living with Disabilities (PWDs) and the less privileged through her well thought out Queen Adenike Tejuosho Foundation (QATFoundation), adding that giving her a position of responsibility in line with her passion and interest will energize her to do more for the downtrodden of our society.

“As a mark of true philanthropy, the quintessential lady recently celebrated Children’s Day with the vulnerable and indigent children where over 500 school books, bags, shoes, water bottles, foodstuffs and writing materials were shared. Her Ramadan largesse to over 1000 PWDs as well as Sallah packages to hundreds of households who could not afford to celebrate the festivities cannot be forgotten.”

“Judging by all the individual sacrifices and the sheer passion to touch lives, the Coalition appealed to Mr. President to urgently consider filling the vacuum created with the suspension of Dr. Betta Edu by appointing Dame Halimat Adenike Tejuosho as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to enable Nigerians enjoy the dividends of democracy in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda especially in the area of poverty alleviation.”

” From her antecedents and if given the opportunity, Hajiya Halimat Adenike Tejuosho, will continue to extend her generosity and passion to bring a turn around in the fortunes of the less privileged and downtrodden in Nigeria”, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) said.

On the argument that Halimat Adenike Tejuosho is not from the South South region where the former Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Betta Edu hailed from, the Coalition disclosed that Adenike Tejuosho’s maternal home is actually from Delta State which makes her a full blooded South South person even though her father’s from Lagos State.

“We do not want to trivialize the issue of origin and region as competence and merit should triumph over issues of origin and other differences that only serve to divide rather than unite us. It is therefore our earnest appeal to Mr. President to consider appointing this noble, hardworking and dedicated humanitarian and party stalwart as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation”, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) said.

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) recalled the support and efforts made by People Living with Disability (PWD) community in Nigeria who have worked for the election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and fervently pleaded with him to grant their only wish by appointing one of them who has distinguished herself as a Minister considering the length of time the Ministry has been left vacant and the danger it portends for the smooth running of government affairs.

“Mr. President, we are united with one voice without any external influence in making this appeal and prayer. It’ll be a privilege to appoint this selfless woman as a Minister because we are very sure she will deliver. This is our collective resolve borne out of the conviction that with the support she has been giving people in the community for over 10 years, she’s the right person for the job. Politics, region and other considerations should be put aside to allow competence and merit to prevail”, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) said.

Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/06/coalition-urges-tinubu-to-appoint-halimat-tejuosho-as-humanitarian-affairs-minister/

Npower Payment To Commence On Or Before June 15th - Npower National Coordinator

According to Npower News on Npower payment, the National Coordinator of Npower have taken to Npower Facebook to inform beneficiaries of Npower that Npower payment will take place on or before June 15th otherwise there will be massive demonstrations in Abuja. This statement was made on the National Association of Npower beneficiaries Facebook handle see statement below.

"After my Exams, I'll be ready to come back to the street and keep fighting for you. Anything beyond June 15th without Payments we are definitely going to stage another massive protest in Abuja.

At this point, all I need is your prayer as I dip into my Medical board examinations deeply!!!" the Npower National Coordinator said.

https://www.facebook.com/100093105862796/posts/pfbid0UAHZjr6QpVPRXADhFortk78nugVbT2cgS8ikg77pjG68gFrTvE9Hq1vCa8TP2GZAl/?app=fbl

Thirty Five Thousand Students Registered For Student Loan In 7 Days - NELFUND

According to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) 35,000 students have registered for the Federal Government’s student loan 7 Days  after the student loan application portal was launched.

This is according to the Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) Dr. Akintunde Sawyerr who said about sixty thousand students have applied on the student loan application portal.

“So far, we’ve had 60,000 plus registrations. In fact, it’s registration; registration is not applications for loans. We’ve had about 50% of that,” Dr. Akintunde Sawyerr said on Friday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today.

“So about 30,00 to 35,000 people have actually applied for loans. So, it’s about 50% of the registrations.”

While explaining why not all registered students on the student loan application portal have applied for the student loan, Dr. Akintunde Sawyerr said the situation is owing to issues from schools.

“There’s a reason for that disconnect,” Dr. Akintunde Sawyerr said. “So the registrations are people who have been able to access the site, go and set up an account because we allow you to set up an account, user name, and password.

“And then you’ve got a dashboard that stays with you until the end of the process. The next step is the application for the loan itself. There’s a little bit of a disconnect in that area because some of the institutions haven’t provided complete and accurate data.”

Dr. Akintunde Sawyerr assured NELFUND is working to rectify the problem and make the student loan application process seamless.

“The great thing is that we’ve captured 60,000 people for sure who want this loan,” Dr. Akintunde Sawyerr said. “We’re going to work through the teething problems they have and enable them to actually apply for the loan.”

The NELFUND Managing Director also threw more light on the timeline of the student loan application.

According to him, the student loan application portal will be open to the public all year round.

“We’ve got all year round [application]. We are starting this process and we want to make sure that we catch as many people who need this loan as possible. That’s what the president wants,” Dr. Akintunde Sawyerr said.

Source: https://www.channelstv.com/2024/05/31/35000-people-applied-for-student-loan-in-one-week-says-nelfund/