Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State is advocating for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s education system, aiming to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and the needs of the industrial sector. In a statement issued on Saturday, following a visit by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, Zulum expressed concern over the growing number of graduates lacking essential skills for today’s fast-evolving job market.

Zulum highlighted two major challenges facing the educational system: a lack of effective communication between educational institutions and industries, and a mismatch between the skills of graduates and the requirements of the labor market. “Many of our graduates are not adequately prepared for the workforce, and this contributes to the rising unemployment rate,” Zulum said.

To address these challenges, the governor urged NELFUND to support reforms by promoting entrepreneurship, technical education, and vocational training. “We need to empower graduates with practical skills that can make them self-reliant and less dependent on the limited job opportunities available,” he added.

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Zulum also praised President Bola Tinubu for establishing NELFUND, recognizing its potential to reduce illiteracy, especially in the North East, by providing financial support for students pursuing higher education. He pledged to work with local government chairmen and traditional leaders to raise awareness about the fund, ensuring it reaches underprivileged students in need of assistance.

Earlier, Sawyerr emphasized NELFUND’s mission to alleviate the financial challenges faced by students, offering interest-free loans with flexible repayment terms. He explained that once graduates secure employment, they are required to repay 10% of their income to ensure the sustainability of the fund.