The National Economic Council (NEC) has called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to maintain robust support for the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), highlighting their impact on Nigeria’s development.
Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum disclosed this to State House correspondents on Thursday following the NEC meeting, which was presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Council Chamber in Abuja.
Governor Zulum noted the Council’s recognition of TETFUND’s significant contributions to advancing tertiary education across Nigeria. “Observations were also met on the positive contributions of TETFUND to the growth and development of education,” he stated.
He also emphasised NASENI’s mission and explained its role in promoting local production and decreasing Nigeria’s hydrocarbon dependency.
“Observations were also met on the rationale behind the establishment of NASENI. That is the mandate of NASENI, which is to encourage production of local goods and services, thereby reducing dependency on hydrocarbons in Nigeria,” Zulum said.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria, and indeed the National Assembly, are encouraged and advised to sustain these two agencies for the betterment of Nigerians,” he added.
Governor Zulum further noted that the Council commended the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for its role in supporting less privileged students, adding, “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.”
Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde addressed NEC’s concerns about the accuracy of the National Social Register (NSR), calling for a version free of political influence.
“So, what we’ve done with the social register, what we’re saying is, look, it will not be politicised,” he said. “When it comes to governance, it’s a serious business because the lives of millions of Nigerians are involved. Getting the correct social register devoid of politics—that is what we have tried to do.”
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