_Hosts Renewed Hope Students’ Engagement and Digital Acceleration Programme (South-East Edition)_
...Distributes Laptops, Other Gift Items to Exceptional Students
Students across the South-East on Friday erupted in excitement as the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Students’ Engagement, Hon. Comr. Sunday Asefon, brought a message of hope and renewed opportunities to the student community during the Renewed Hope Students’ Engagement and Digital Acceleration Programme held at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC).
The engagement, which attracted student leaders and stakeholders from across the South-East, provided an opportunity for direct interaction between the students and representatives of the Federal Government, with Asefon highlighting the various education, empowerment and digital opportunities available under the Tinubu administration.
Asefon, who championed the programme, urged students to take advantage of the opportunities created by the Federal Government, stressing that the future of Nigeria depends largely on the ability of young people to acquire knowledge, develop skills and actively participate in nation-building.
He spoke extensively on the achievements of President Tinubu in the education sector, particularly interventions designed to expand access to education financing, digital skills, innovation and youth development.
The Presidential aide also commended the Enugu State Government, South-East NANS stakeholders and student leaders for their support and participation in the engagement, describing their collaboration as essential to building a stronger relationship between government and the student community.
The atmosphere became particularly lively as students participated actively in interactive sessions, answered questions and received gift items and prizes, while selected beneficiaries were also presented with laptop computers to support their academic work, digital learning and innovation.
The engagement also provided students with an opportunity to hear directly from officials responsible for key Federal Government interventions, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
The Managing Director of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, disclosed that more than 1.7 million students had applied for the Federal Government’s student loan scheme, with about 1.5 million applications processed and over N282 billion disbursed to students across 288 tertiary institutions.
Several NELFUND beneficiaries from the South-East subsequently came forward to share testimonies of how the intervention had helped them continue their education and pursue their academic dreams. They also expressed appreciation for the newly introduced monthly stipends, which they described as a life-saving initiative.
Another memorable moment came when a student showcased a mini electric tricycle designed by the student, demonstrating the creativity and innovative potential of young Nigerians. The student was rewarded for the impressive innovation.
The Federal Government also challenged students to embrace emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, coding, robotics, cybersecurity and digital entrepreneurship, as part of efforts to prepare them for the rapidly changing global economy.
For the students, however, the engagement went beyond speeches and policy discussions. The interaction with the Presidential aide, testimonies from fellow students, distribution of laptops and gift items, and exposure to government opportunities created an atmosphere of optimism and renewed confidence.
The programme ultimately provided a platform for the Federal Government to strengthen its relationship with the South-East student community while encouraging young Nigerians to seize available opportunities and prepare themselves as future leaders, innovators and contributors to national development.
