Education

GAPOGS Tasks African Students On Impactful Research To Challenge Education

Published

1 year ago

January 17, 2024

Joel Ajayi

The Global Association of Postgraduate Students (GAPOGS) has called on all the postgraduate students of the African continent to bring to the fore, impactful research that will transcend borders to address global challenges.

While speaking in a press conference on Tuesday, in Abuja, the newly elected African President of GAPOGS, Amb. Peace Nwankaego Onuiri said that the association will leave no stone unturned to ensure the holistic growth and development of all postgraduate students.

She expressed that, GAPOGS aims to instill a broader perspective on education, emphasizing the role of postgraduate students in finding practical solutions to real-world problems.

According to her, GAPOHS stands as a beacon for postgraduate students globally, fostering collaboration, celebrating diversity, and advocating for the rights and interests of scholars.

“As I call upon postgraduate students in Africa, let’s come together and make an impactful research that transcends borders and transforms the landscape of postgraduate education worldwide.

“Our primary aim is to establish collaborations with academic institutions globally, steering partnerships that facilitate campus development, academic exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and mobility for postgraduate students, and together, we will build bridges connecting the gown to the town, creating a vibrant local community that transcends geographical boundaries.

“As we embark on this journey, GAPOGS will facilitate networking and collaboration among postgraduate students, encouraging interdisciplinary interactions and knowledge-sharing opportunities. We will organize seminars, webinars, and Conferences to promote academic discourse, critical thinking, and intellectual engagement across diverse fields.

“Professional development is key to our mission, GAPOGS will provide resources, workshops, and mentorship programs to enhance research skills, academic writing presentation abilities, and overall competencies crucial for the professional growth of postgraduate scholars. A shining example is the upcoming Global Postgraduate School Games in June, showcasing our commitment to supporting the holistic development of postgraduate students.

“Cultural exchange and diversity appreciation are integral components of our agenda. GAPOGS will celebrate cultural diversity through events, forums, and Initiatives that foster cross-cultural understanding, appreciation, and integration among postgraduate scholars from diverse backgrounds.

“Advocacy is a cornerstone of our mission, therefore we will serve as a vocal advocate for postgraduate students’ rights, ensuring their voices are heard at both national and international levels. GAPOGS will also provide access to resources, including databases, research grants, scholarships, and other opportunities to empower postgraduate students in their academic pursuits.

“In addressing the unique needs of Africa, we recognize the importance of result- oriented research, our focus on African tourism components aims to implement research outcomes that contribute to the development of the continent. GAPOGS is committed to addressing global challenges through impactful research, emphasizing the role of postgraduate students in implementing solutions, especially in the context of Africa.

“Lastly, on the welfare front, we are proud to illustrate our commitment through the forthcoming Postgraduate Global School Games. This event exemplifies our dedication to the overall well-being of postgraduate students, showcasing our support for both academic and extracurricular pursuits.”

While presenting the certificate of return to the African president, the Global President of GAPOGS, Amb Dr. Edward Olutoke stated that Africa needs to think outside the box for them to get the attention of the world.

“When we get to Universities all over Africa, you see piles of projects from BSc. to Ph.D. What do we do with these projects? And for people to write these projects, it involves a whole lot of energy, some go through tough times. Some of them even pay huge money for their projects to be done. That is why GAPOGS was formed to ensure we let them know that we don’t just go to school to acquire certificates, but we go to school to solve problems.”

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Education

NELFUND assures students of smart system to improve loan access

Published

1 month ago

May 7, 2025

The Gleamer

Mariam Abeeb

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has assured students it was working assiduously towards building a technology driven system that would improve easy access to its loans.

This was as the FUND disclosed that no fewer than 320,000 students have thus far been paid with many more currently undergoing verification process to enable their payments.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr gave the assurances in Abuja, while addressing Polytechnics , Monotechnics and Institutes at a Stakeholders Engagement Session/ Technical Workshop on NELFUND System Automation and Loan Application Processes.

Sawyerr noted that the FUND was targeting a platform where students could access loan with confidence and without stress in a manner that was transparent and accountable.

He said: “At NELFUND our mission goes beyond giving loans. It’s about opening doors, it’s about making sure every young Nigerian who is willing to learn and grow has a real shot regardless of their background, location, or chosen path of study.

“For too long, many students, especially in technical institutions, have faced steep financial barriers; some drop out, others have never even applied. This is the gap we at NELFUND are here to close. But we know we can’t do it alone.

“This is a shared mission. It belongs to all of us, government institutions and the private sector alike. This technical workshop marks a major step forward.

“We’re not only providing financing, we’re building a technology-driven system that makes it easier for students to apply, for institutions to verify, and for funds to be disbursed with speed, fairness, and accountability.

“We’re aiming for access without stress, a platform students can use with confidence; transparency and trust so that no one is left wondering where their application stands; partnership with purpose because your feedback, your data, and your cooperation are critical to making this work. We rely on you as our institutional partners to help us bring this vision to life.”

Sawyerr who commended the institutions for providing technical expertise, practical hands-on training that fuels industries and empowers communities over the years, said besides teaching skills, they have built careers, created employers and strengthened economies.

“You know your students, you understand their struggles, your insights will help us tailor this system to reflect the realities on ground, not just assumptions on paper.

“To NBTE, we value your steady leadership in shaping and regulating technical education. Your collaboration is key as we move forward fully.”

The NELFUND boss urged the institutions to partner with the FUND to deliver a system that was not just functional or sustainable, but one that was transformative

“As we move forward fully, integrating NELFUND processes with institutional systems and standards, let us remember at the heart of all of this is a student, a young Nigerian with dreams, with ambition, and the courage to pursue them. Everything we do must serve that student.

“The only way to make it happen is by working together, listening to one another, and staying grounded in real-world challenges. I encourage you all to engage fully today share what’s working and what is not, and together let’s build something that lasts.”

NELFUND ‘s Executive Director, Operations, Mr. Iyal Mustapha, disclosed that apart from the 320,000 students who have so far been paid, more verifications are currently ongoing.

Mustapha, who explained that the failure of not having the number of registered students tally with the number of students whose application process was deemed successful was from the part of students and not NELFUND, said there was an urgent need to bridge the gap.

He also disclosed that the FUND was considering connecting directly to institution’s portal to get the data they need, and how student could apply to their institutions portal without necessarily reaching out to NELFUND.

“One other thing that we’re trying to do going forward is to send some of our IT to all the institutions so that we can see how possible it is we connect directly to your portal instead of saying please send us data. How can we connect using an API which makes it easier to get the data of any student coming to us directly from your portal and not from our portal. So we don’t need to be collecting any data again.

“At the same time, we’re thinking of seeing how is it possible that a student can apply to your portal without coming to us. So it makes it so easy for the student when they’re doing registration, when they’re doing payments, they can select either to apply for NELFUND loans and the process will go through your portal. So you have all the data without ever reaching to NELFUND. All we need is for you to give assurance these are your students and if we have that, we pay you directly. It makes it simpler and faster for all the students.”

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