The National Economic Council (NEC) has urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to strengthen support for the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), citing their crucial roles in Nigeria’s development. This call came after a NEC meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, where Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum shared insights with State House correspondents.
Governor Zulum highlighted TETFUND’s significant impact on enhancing tertiary education across Nigeria, stating, “Observations were also met on the positive contributions of TETFUND to the growth and development of education.” He also emphasized NASENI’s mandate to promote local production and reduce the country’s dependence on hydrocarbons, adding, “That is the mandate of NASENI, which is to encourage production of local goods and services.”
Zulum encouraged sustained government backing for both agencies, asserting, “The Federal Government of Nigeria, and indeed the National Assembly, are encouraged and advised to sustain these two agencies for the betterment of Nigerians.”
Additionally, the Council commended the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for aiding less privileged students. Zulum remarked, “The Council earlier deliberated on the well-being of Nigerians and commended the efforts of the students’ loan board in supporting the less privileged students.”
In another discussion, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde addressed concerns regarding the accuracy of the National Social Register (NSR), advocating for a version free from political influence. “What we’re saying is, look, it will not be politicized,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of an accurate social register in governance, as it affects the lives of millions of Nigerians.
