The Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Professor Edward Olanipekun, has revealed that the federal government’s student loan scheme is a game changer for indigent students and the nation’s education sector.
While commending President Bola Tinubu for the initiative, the Vice Chancellor noted that the scheme would significantly help indigent students of the university meet their financial obligations and pursue quality education.
Olanipekun, who spoke on Tuesday while addressing newsmen as part of activities marking the end of his five-year tenure as the eighth substantive VC, noted that the scheme would provide access to education for indigent and less privileged students, who, he said, constitute the majority in the university.
He added that the university management is in the process of completing the administrative procedures for the registered students and forwarding them to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
“The student loan scheme is truly a game changer and will have a significant impact on indigent students because many of our students here in EKSU are indigent and rely on menial jobs to sponsor themselves.
“With this novel scheme introduced by our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, these students will be able to access quality education without fear of dropping out due to financial constraints,” he said.
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Olanipekun described his 60-month tenure as the university’s helmsman as fulfilling, adding that the university witnessed tremendous progress, particularly in its core areas of learning and community service.
According to him, his appointment by the former governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, in 2019, after a highly competitive process, motivated him to implement a series of reforms in the institution.
He commended the state governor and visitor to the university, Biodun Oyebanji, for his support to the institution, including increased monthly subventions, which he said have led to improved welfare for workers.
The VC also praised the governor for appointing the current Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Babatola Ayodele, as the next Vice Chancellor, noting that the appointment of the university’s first alumnus to this position is a step in the right direction.