News

NANS Awards Rep. Akinlayo, Scores NELFUND 80%, Raises Concern Over AI Abuse in Schools

Published

7 months ago

May 1, 2026

Cyril Ogar

The National Association of Nigerian Students has rated the Federal Government’s student loan initiative, Nigerian Education Loan Fund, at 80 per cent, even as it honoured Davidson Akinlayo Kolawole, a member of the House of Representatives, for his contributions to student welfare and development.

The rating and discussions around student-focused policies took place during the presentation of the 2026 NANS Excellence in Leadership, Service and Community Impact Award to the Ekiti North II federal lawmaker in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, NANS President, Olusola Oladoja, said the assessment of NELFUND was based on independent findings and feedback from students across the country, noting that millions have already benefited from the initiative.

“I will rate it 80 per cent because it still has lapses. But it is the first time Nigerian students are enjoying this level of support,” he said, adding that the scheme has significantly eased the burden of tuition, accommodation and upkeep.

He, however, raised concerns over delays and alleged mismanagement in some institutions, warning that erring officials could face sanctions, including petitions to anti-graft agencies.

Oladoja explained that Akinlayo’s selection for the award was based on independent research, which found him outstanding in youth and student-focused interventions, particularly within his constituency.

“In recognition of your exemplary leadership, selfless service to the nation, and remarkable contributions to community development and social impact,” he said, noting that 45 distinguished Nigerians were selected for the honour as part of activities marking NANS’ 45th anniversary.

Responding, Akinlayo expressed appreciation for the recognition, describing it as a motivation to do more at a critical time in Nigeria’s development.
“I am honoured to receive this award at a time when efforts are ongoing to make Nigeria great again,” he said.

The lawmaker highlighted key interventions, including bursary awards for students in his constituency and an additional N100,000 incentive for undergraduates with a CGPA of 3.5 and above to promote academic excellence. He also noted his role in supporting initiatives like NELFUND.

Amid growing reliance on technology in education, Akinlayo cautioned students against the misuse of artificial intelligence and digital tools, warning that overdependence could undermine academic excellence.

“AI should be used positively, not to replace thinking. You should be able to think for yourself,” he said.

He stressed that while digital tools are designed to improve productivity and learning outcomes, their misuse has led to declining academic standards, with some students relying on them for assignments and tests instead of engaging in independent study.

“With modern tools, students should perform better, but that is not always the case because they are being used the wrong way,” he added.
The lawmaker also raised concerns about the misuse of technology for fraudulent activities among some students, attributing it to poor moral upbringing and calling for stronger parental and educational guidance.

“We must revive proper home training, ensure discipline and accountability. That is how we can build better students and a better society,” he said.

NANS reaffirmed its support for the lawmaker, noting that his continued investment in student welfare and advocacy for impactful policies aligns with the association’s vision for sustainable development in Nigeria’s education sector.

Despite acknowledging operational gaps, the student body maintained that NELFUND remains one of the most impactful education policies in recent years, with the potential to transform access to higher education across the country.

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Politics

Yagba Rallies for Abejide, Tinubu, Ododo as Support Group Inaugurated in Mopa

Published

8 hours ago

November 15, 2026

The Gleamer

By Stephen Adeleye

Mopa (Kogi), Nov. 14, 2026 – Stakeholders from across Yagba Federal Constituency on Saturday converged on Cruise Memorial College, Mopa, in Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi State, for the inauguration of the Elder Leke Abejide Support Group.

Elder Leke Abejide, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is serving his second term in the House of Representatives, representing Yagba Federal Constituency, which comprises Mopamuro, Yagba East and Yagba West Local Government Areas. He is seeking re-election for a third term in the 2027 general elections.

Before the inauguration, members of the group had earlier embarked on a road walk across major streets and towns in Mopamuro LGA in solidarity with the lawmaker and to canvass support for his third term bid, as well as for the second term re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

The road walk, which attracted a massive turnout of supporters, party loyalists and residents, moved through Mopa town and other communities, with participants chanting solidarity songs and displaying banners in support of the three candidates.

The inauguration was organised by supporters of the lawmaker to mobilise grassroots support for what they described as a triple mandate: the re-election of Abejide, the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the re-election of Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

In his address, the Director General of the group, Chief Olorunsola Charles Yomi, said the group was formed by men and women who believe in Abejide’s leadership, transparency and performance.

He said the support group, and not the lawmaker himself, convened the inauguration to show solidarity and love for their principal, adding that Abejide would soon commence his own campaign.

Yomi disclosed that five persons had been selected in each ward across the three local government areas as ward executives of the group to coordinate mobilisation ahead of the elections.

Also speaking, the Secretary of the group, Hon. Adebayo Toba Emmanuel, popularly known as Belusi, said members came together under one umbrella, pooling their resources to canvass support for the three candidates.

Belusi, a former Special Assistant on Urban and Regional and Project Monitoring to Kogi Governor, said five canvassers and coordinators were drawn from each local government and integrated at the inauguration, and would be given stipends to work for the election.

He said the people of Yagba were encouraged by the ongoing road construction and improved security in the area, noting that residents could now sleep better and gather freely, unlike in the past when insecurity made such gatherings difficult.

He added that Abejide’s empowerment programmes had touched many lives, with another phase of empowerment scheduled for Dec. 26.

In her remarks, the former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Kogi State, Hon. Bolanle Amupitan, said Abejide deserved re-election because he had empowered youths, women and vulnerable widows over the past eight to 10 years.

Amupitan said women, who constitute the majority of voters, would be mobilised from house to house and ward to ward to vote for Abejide, Ododo and Tinubu, stressing that the constituency did not want to be in opposition.

She said legislative experience matters, noting that a legislator needs time at the national level to navigate the system and attract dividends of democracy to the constituency.

Also speaking, the former Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth and Sports, Dr M.D. Eseyin, corroborated the testimonies on Abejide’s quality representation and urged the people to unite behind him so he could attract more dividends of democracy to the constituency.

In a notable cross-party endorsement, the Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kogi State, Sunday Maiyaki, said Abejide was enjoying support across party lines because he is a household name in Yagba land and a man of his word.

Maiyaki said Abejide had given N10 million to 74 communities in Yagba land, with a second tranche expected, N100 million to women for empowerment, and had promised N500 million for youth empowerment.

He described Abejide as a talk-and-do person who delivers on his promises, and said the people want him returned to the National Assembly.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Mopamuro Local Government Area, Hon. Demola Bello commended the people for their massive turnout, including the road walk, and urged them to come out en masse to vote for Abejide and President Tinubu.

He noted that Abejide had done well for the people of Yagba Federal Constituency, particularly in youth empowerment.

The inauguration ended with a charge to the newly inaugurated ward executives to return to their communities and commence mobilisation for the 2027 elections.

End

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