The Management of the Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State, under the purposeful leadership of the Rector, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed (FNSE), has commended the Federal Government’s latest landmark initiative to extend the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to students pursuing vocational and skills acquisition programmes.
This development, announced by the Managing Director of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, signifies a bold step toward strengthening Nigeria’s human capital base and repositioning technical education as a core driver of national progress.
Speaking on the initiative, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ayede expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the administration’s commitment to promoting practical skills marks “a new dawn for innovative, industry-ready education in Nigeria.”
He noted that extending student loans beyond conventional university degrees reflects the President’s determination to ensure that every Nigerian youth—whether in a technical, vocational, or academic pathway—can access quality training without financial barriers.
Dr. Abdul-Hameed further applauded the visionary role of the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, whose dedication to revitalizing Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape continues to yield transformative policies. He described the Minister as “a committed reformer who understands that nations thrive when their young people are empowered with relevant, modern skills.”
According to Sawyerr, the loan expansion aligns squarely with the Federal Government’s broader education and skills development agenda. He emphasized that President Tinubu’s focus on inclusive human-capacity development seeks to elevate vocational training to its rightful place as the engine room of national productivity.
Quoting the NELFUND boss:
<span;>> “No nation is built solely by philosophers. It is very important to have people who can use their hands, energy, strength, and skills to put into action the clever ideas that come from those emerging from academic institutions.”
At Federal Polytechnic Ayede—an institution deeply rooted in technical innovation and practical learning—the announcement has been received with enthusiasm. The Rector affirmed that the Polytechnic stands ready to leverage the new loan window to expand access to its skills-driven programmes, strengthen entrepreneurship training, and produce graduates who are equipped for both employment and self-reliance.
He reiterated the Management’s relentless commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s renewed agenda for a skilled, competitive, and economically productive youth population.
With this groundbreaking extension, NELFUND is set to empower thousands of Nigerian youths seeking to acquire hands-on skills in engineering, ICT, creative industries, agriculture, technology, and other vocational fields—areas where Federal Polytechnic Ayede continues to demonstrate excellence and national relevance.
Federal Polytechnic Ayede remains steadfast in its mission to provide students with the knowledge, discipline, and practical competencies required to thrive in an evolving global economy, while supporting all government efforts to democratize educational opportunities.
