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Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has called for gender parity in admission into the nation’s universities.
This is just as he commended the President Bola Tinubu-led administration for its commitment to education particularly the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act as an important initiative. .
Delivering a lecture at the 37th convocation ceremony and 50th anniversary of University of Calabar, Cross River State titled “Our gown in town and in cyberspace: Sustainable and human-centred education, The mandate of uur universities, 2025-2075.”
The Deputy Speaker highlighted the importance of education in achieving the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said aims to drive economic growth, infrastructure development, healthcare, agriculture, and digital innovation.
A statement issued on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Levinus Nwabughiogu quoted Mr Kalu as saying, “President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda envisions a future driven by economic growth, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and digital innovation.
“We must be intentional in ensuring gender parity in admission into our universities because education is that light at the end of the tunnel. No matter how sluggish you move, it will give you the light and the hope. Education is the great equalizer—the bridge between potential and progress—yet financial barriers have long kept many talented Nigerians from reaching it.
“On April 3 2024, President Tinubu signed the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, a transformative policy designed to remove economic obstacles. This Act provides interest-free loans repayable only after employment, with special provisions for the disadvantaged, ensuring that every capable student has a fair chance to succeed.”
The Abia lawmaker also described the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as a success story, having disbursed ₦23bn in loans to 94,000 students in 2023.
He added that the recently passed 2025 federal budget allocated ₦2.52 trillion to education, representing a 133.33% increase in educational investments.
“Consider the remarkable progress made by NELFUND, which disbursed ₦23bn in loans to 94,000 students in 2023. This milestone has not only improved access to education but also reaffirmed our commitment to empowering our youth.
“As new development commissions prepare their budgets, prioritising education must be at the forefront. We must finance short, impactful programmes in carpentry, plumbing, electrical engineering, and other trades to address the glaring gap in local expertise. By doing so, we create a workforce capable of transforming our towns and propelling Nigeria toward global competitiveness.
“Distinguished guests, here are the facts: In 2024, the federal budget allocated ₦1.54tn to education. This amount is higher than the N1.08tn the education ministry received in the 2023 budget.
Kalu also advocated for sustainable educational financing, particularly in light of the removal of external funding sources like the United States Agency for International Development, which had previously supported education initiatives in Nigeria.
“The withdrawal of USAID funding underscores the importance of domestic investment in education. As Nigeria advances with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, education remains a cornerstone of sustainable development. By prioritizing education and investing in our youth, we can propel Nigeria towards global competitiveness and achieve the Renewed Hope Agenda’s vision of a brighter future,” he said.
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