SSDC, NELFUND Forge Partnership to Advance Youth Development , Education in South-South

By Ekanem Asuquo

The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) has restated its commitment to working closely with the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to enhance educational opportunities, promote skills development, and strengthen youth empowerment initiatives across the South-South region.

During a high-level meeting with NELFUND’s management team, the Managing Director of SSDC, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, underscored the importance of investing in young people, describing youth training as the foundation for nation-building. She commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes education and youth-focused programs as key drivers of Nigeria’s sustainable development.

Ms. Akpabio applauded NELFUND’s leadership for its commitment to expanding access to tertiary education through affordable student loans. She observed that the Commission’s vision aligns with NELFUND’s goal of promoting equal access to quality education and financial inclusion for all Nigerian students.

She also emphasized the prospects for strategic collaboration between SSDC and NELFUND in bridging the gap between education and employment for young people in the South-South, particularly through innovation, vocational training, and digital literacy initiatives.

Expressing appreciation to President Tinubu for his unwavering support to Nigerian youths, Ms. Akpabio noted that platforms like NELFUND demonstrate the government’s resolve to empower the next generation and equip them with the skills needed to contribute meaningfully to national growth and development.