The Personal Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Constituency Affairs, Khadijat Kareem, has called on youths, particularly students in the South-West, to take advantage of the Federal Government’s student loan programme to support their education.
Speaking at a town hall meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State, Kareem expressed concern over the low participation of students in the region compared to other parts of the country.
“The turnout for the Federal Government’s student loan scheme in the South-West is very poor compared to other regions,” she said. “They are benefiting, they are applying, but we are lagging behind. I appeal to our youths, students, governors, leaders, and other stakeholders to encourage greater participation.”
She emphasized that the loan does not require collateral, only an admission letter, and urged parents to inform their children about the opportunity.
Kareem also highlighted other government initiatives aimed at youth empowerment, mentioning that the Minister of Youth had created a portal for vulnerable youths and encouraged them to utilize it.
“The President’s goal is to create a brighter future where every citizen has access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities,” she added.
During the meeting, stakeholders raised concerns about infrastructure and economic challenges in Oyo State. The state’s Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke, commended President Tinubu for his intervention in abandoned projects and reaffirmed Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to youth development.
Community leaders urged the Federal Government to complete uncompleted projects, including the Ibadan-Oyo-Ogbomoso Road, which they said had led to frequent accidents. They also called for improvements at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, citing infrastructure decay and a shortage of medical personnel.
Other speakers appealed to President Tinubu to address the rising cost of petroleum products and extend railway lines across the country to reduce road accidents caused by fuel tankers.
After the meeting, Kareem inspected some abandoned projects in the Ibadan metropolis and assured stakeholders that she would relay their concerns directly to the President.