Zulum Calls for Overhaul of Educational System To Meet Nigeria’s Industrial Needs
By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
The Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum has called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s education system to address the disconnect between educational institutions and the needs of industries.
A statement issued by Dauda Iliya, Special Adviser to the Governor Media, said Zulum made the call during a courtesy visit by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, at the Government House, Maiduguri.
The governor expressed concern that many graduates produced by higher institutions lack the necessary skills to drive innovation and technological advancement.
He urged NELFUND to critically assess the issue and implement solutions that will enable graduates to become self-employed rather than depend on limited job opportunities.
“We have two major problems in our educational system: the mismatch between educational institutions and industries, as they do not communicate effectively, and the mismatch between the labour market and graduates, many of whom are unprepared to work in the industries,” Zulum stated.
He further encouraged NELFUND to support entrepreneurship, technical education, and vocational training programmes.
“Beyond offering loans, I urge you to explore ways to support entrepreneurship education and promote technical and vocational training to reduce the reluctance toward these critical areas of study,” he added.
The Governor commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing NELFUND, emphasizing its potential to significantly reduce illiteracy, particularly in the North East region.
He pledged to mobilise local government chairmen and traditional rulers to raise awareness about NELFUND, noting its importance to underprivileged students wishing to pursue higher education.
“I have held discussions with heads of tertiary institutions since you assumed office, and reports indicate that a significant number of students who applied for NELFUND loans received them with ease,” Zulum remarked.
In his part, Sawyerr, the NELFUND Managing Director, highlighted the fund’s mission to tackle the growing issue of students dropping out due to financial constraints.
He explained that the loan is interest-free, with repayment set at 10% of the recipient’s income upon securing employment.