By Mukhtar Sagir Dambatta
The Students’ Union Government (SUG) President of Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State, Isah Ibrahim, says financial support and improved student welfare are vital to reducing dropout rates nationwide.
Ibrahim, who spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, stated that financial hardship remained the leading reason many students left higher institutions before completing their education.
He said although the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) had helped many students continue their studies, some eligible students were yet to benefit because of delays, limited awareness and other challenges.
According to him, academic pressure, family responsibilities, health problems, accommodation difficulties and mental wellbeing also contribute to student dropout.
He said reducing the dropout rate required joint efforts by the government, universities, parents and student leaders.
“The government should continue strengthening NELFUND to ensure eligible students access loans without unnecessary delays.
“Universities should identify financially vulnerable students early, provide guidance on available support and strengthen counselling and welfare services,” he said.
Ibrahim said the SUG would continue creating awareness about NELFUND, scholarships and bursaries while engaging the university management on policies that promote students’ welfare and academic success.
He said the university had introduced measures to support students facing financial difficulties, including the Benevolent Fund for indigent students.
According to him, the interventions have helped many students remain in school, but more support is needed because the demand is greater than the available resources.
He called for additional scholarships, grants and welfare programmes to ensure more students complete their education.
The SUG president also urged universities to improve learning facilities, expand student accommodation and strengthen counselling and mental health services.
He encouraged students facing academic or personal challenges to seek help early instead of allowing such problems to affect their studies.
Ibrahim further urged the government and education stakeholders to invest more in quality infrastructure, student welfare and academic support services.
He also called on the private sector to partner with universities by providing internships, skills acquisition programmes and career development opportunities.
According to him, these measures will help reduce dropout rates and ensure more Nigerian students successfully complete tertiary education.
@NAN